Pacaya began spewing lava, rocks and debris Thursday, leaving one person dead and three children missing.

At least 1,600 people have fled the eruption, some 30km (19 miles) south of the capital city.

The volcano covered parts of Guatemala City in ash, forcing the closure of the country's main international airport.

Officials said La Aurora airport would remain closed through Saturday, and flights were being diverted to other parts of the country.

Residents of Guatemala City were concentrating on clearing up a film of ash said to be up to 7cm thick in some areas.

One man was killed when he fell from the fourth floor of a building while sweeping up the ash.

President Alvaro Colom declared a state of emergency in the Escuintla region, Guatemala City and other areas surrounding the capital.

Officials estimated that 800 homes had been damaged and 100 homes had been completely destroyed.