GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – The eruption of the Fuego volcano has led Guatemala to elevate three departments to its highest warning status, resulting in mass evacuations and disturbances in nearby towns. Authorities issued red alerts for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while the entire country maintained an orange alert. Approximately 29,000 residents across 18 communities experienced ashfall, with emergency services continuing evacuation measures in vulnerable zones near the volcano.
The volcano’s activity intensified on Monday as gases, lava, and ash surged from its crater. Multiple pyroclastic flows moved through several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows contain heated gas, ash, and rock, and are capable of rapid movement. Monitoring teams also observed an ash plume spreading to the west and northwest, with volcanic material detected far beyond the immediate danger zones.
Initial evacuations took place in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, communities within San Juan Alotenango, involving around 250 individuals from approximately 50 families. As the eruption persisted, authorities expanded shelter operations, with five centers accommodating roughly 1,699 people and three more on standby. Families received essential aid such as food, medical services, security, and other support at these temporary sites.
Emergency shelters assist families evacuated from danger zones
Guatemala’s disaster response agency, CONRED, coordinated the evacuation efforts alongside local authorities. The agency advised residents to steer clear of ravines, adhere to official directives, and keep emergency supplies prepared. It also recommended covering stored water and food to prevent ash contamination. People in affected regions were instructed to wear masks or damp cloths over their noses and mouths. Emergency teams remained active across the three departments under red alert.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano and weather institute, reported that the most intense phase generated repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Ongoing emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity high. Experts utilized field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite images to monitor the eruption. The ash cloud spread as far as Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments with red alerts.
Road closures and ash fall impact local communities
During the emergency, National Route 14, a key roadway near Fuego, was shut down. The Ministry of Education suspended classes in nearby towns, while road maintenance crews monitored access points and travel safety. La Aurora International Airport continued operations following volcanic ash protocols, according to the government. Security patrols were dispatched to evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard homes and support residents who had left. Access to certain vulnerable zones around the volcano was also restricted.
Heavy rains posed an additional threat as water mixing with volcanic debris could generate lahars. These swift mudflows can descend ravines, carrying ash, rocks, and debris. According to officials, no structural damages had been reported as of the latest update, and mudflows had not reached any villages. Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, is situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and has a long history of disruptive eruptions.