In Guatemala, hundreds of residents have been evacuated from the slopes of Volc\u00e1n 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.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The eruption of Central America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Lava flows poured down from the 3,763-metre-high Fuego volcano, located less than 100 kilometres from the country\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n A representative of the CONRED civil protection service Valeria Urisar<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n
People were accommodated in temporary shelters<\/h2>\n
The activity lasted 23 hours, although it began to subside<\/h2>\n
The authorities have restricted traffic and suspended face-to-face teaching<\/h2>\n