In Guatemala, hundreds of residents have been evacuated from the slopes of Volcán de Fuego following a powerful eruption. The authorities declared the second-highest alert level after activity intensified in the evening. Lava is flowing down the slopes, and the Institute of Volcanology has warned of the danger posed by hot flows of volcanic debris to neighbouring communities.
Briefly about the main points
- Firefighters evacuated at least 350 residents to San Juan Alotenango.
- The evacuees were accommodated in a communal hall with makeshift beds.
- Ash rose to a height of approximately six kilometres above Fuego.
- Face-to-face lessons have been suspended in communities across two municipalities.
- The capital’s international airport continues to operate as normal.
People were accommodated in temporary shelters
Firefighters evacuated at least 350 residents from the villages of El Porvenir and Las Lahitas to the municipality of San Juan Alotenango, to the east of the volcano. Some residents left of their own accord, fearing lava flows down the slope.
The evacuees are in a community hall, where temporary beds have been set up. The local authorities in Esquintla have also reported that they have taken in dozens of families, including children. The number of people transported to other neighbouring towns is currently unknown.
The activity lasted 23 hours, although it began to subside
The eruption of Central America’s most active volcano began on Monday morning and intensified by nightfall. By Tuesday morning, according to the Institute of Volcanology, it had been ongoing for 23 hours, but its intensity had begun to subside.
Lava flows poured down from the 3,763-metre-high Fuego volcano, located less than 100 kilometres from the country’s capital. The ash plume rose to a height of approximately six kilometres. The Institute has issued a warning about hot flows of volcanic debris; the greatest risk remains for communities on the western and southern slopes.
The authorities have restricted traffic and suspended face-to-face teaching
A representative of the CONRED civil protection service Valeria Urisar called on residents to leave the danger zone of their own accord if an evacuation order has been issued or there is a threat to life.
The Ministry of Education has suspended face-to-face lessons in communities within two municipalities near the volcano. The traffic police have closed the road around the mountain range that links the south coast with Antigua — the country’s main tourist centre and a World Heritage Site. UNESCO. The authorities have advised travellers to take precautions when flying, but the capital’s international airport is operating as normal, unaffected by the eruption.
The fire has already caused large-scale displacement of residents
Guatemala is situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic and volcanic activity is regularly recorded. Fuego has previously caused evacuations of residents from neighbouring communities on several occasions.
Last year, following the release of gas and ash, the authorities evacuated more than 500 people from areas near the crater. Another eruption in 2023 forced around 1,200 residents to leave their homes.
