Guatemala's Fuego volcano shook from explosions Sunday and spewed ashes over nearby communities as it entered a more intense phase of activity, authorities said.

The state Institute of Vulcanology reported "four or five explosions an hour accompanied by ashes (rising) to an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,000 feet)."

The volcano is located 50 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Guatemala City.

The sound of the explosions could be heard from a distance of 25 kilometers, and shock waves rattled roof-tops and windows in surrounding villages, it said.

Ash from the volcano was falling on villages on Fuego's western slopes.

In February, a strong eruption forced authorities to close the international airport because of the ashfall.