Costa Rica News – A Tica in Guatemala acted heroically, saving 300 people from the eruption of the Fuego volcano. The woman, Evelyn Ordoñez, works as general manager of the La Reunion hotel in Alotenango de Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.
She organized the evacuation of all guests and staff two hours before the tragedy. No authority had even alerted them that the volcano was becoming unstable. The decision was made from observing the changes and acting responsibly on common sense.
The hotel is just 7.2 km from the volcano. From the clubhouse garden they saw the fumaroles and pyroclastic flows at a level that was not normal. She spoke with the workers and activated the protocols. This saved the lives of hundreds of guests, visitors, golfers and staff.
The golfers were evacuated with first priority and all rooms were called and visited to make sure everyone was informed. Some wanted to stay but were told it would be at their own risk so they agreed to leave.
They even had time to make a couple trips with their cars to help people in the surrounding community, focusing on children, elderly and the disabled until authorities arrived and took over, blocking further entry even to help.
The hotel was one of the places most damaged by the violent eruptions but everyone under the hotel’s care survived. The tragedy took 109 lives and 197 people are missing.
The Tica is now collaborating in shelters for the affected. The hotel’s webpage, www.lareunion.com.gt will soon be set to receive funds to help victims.
