Guatemala on volcano alert after Fuego erupts
Guatemala remained on alert Tuesday after evacuating hundreds of people following an eruption of the Fuego volcano, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. The country’s disaster management agency said 659 people were evacuated from eight villages in the danger area and are being housed in nearby shelters. The eruption started on Monday…
Guatemala remains on heightened alert after the Fuego volcano erupted on Monday, prompting authorities to evacuate villages and raise the alert level to red in three municipalities. Nearly 30,000 people are affected by ashfall, with schools closed as authorities warn the next 72 hours are critical due to the ongoing risk of mudflows.
Mudflows, which have not yet reached villages, could spread up to 7km long following incoming rain. The eruption began with clouds of gas and ash rising from the volcano, followed by lava and pyroclastic flows rolling down the slopes. Additional eruptions of ash have occurred since Tuesday. Around 250 residents were evacuated from El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, while nearby towns were also warned of ash spreading.
A major highway, National Route 14, has been closed. The volcano, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, has a history of destructive eruptions, most recently in June 2018 when hundreds were killed and a village destroyed. Authorities recommend residents cover water deposits and use face masks for protection from ash.
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