GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – The situation escalated in Guatemala as authorities raised the alert level to its maximum in three departments following the eruption of volcano Fuego, which emitted ash, lava, and perilous pyroclastic flows. The regions of Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla have been placed under red alert, with an orange alert still active nationwide during this crisis. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 individuals across 18 communities, while emergency teams persisted in evacuations from vulnerable ravines and settlements.
The eruption intensified on Monday, with columns of gas and ash soaring above the crater. Pyroclastic flows descended five ravines on the volcano’s western and southwestern slopes, with some reaching distances of five to seven kilometers from the crater. These rapid-moving flows consist of extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring agencies also tracked an ash cloud that drifted west and northwest, affecting various areas of Guatemala.
Initial evacuations targeted El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in San Juan Alotenango. Around 250 residents from roughly 50 families were relocated during the first phase. As the threat grew, shelters expanded to accommodate more evacuees fleeing ashfall and volcanic dangers. Five shelters currently host about 1,699 people, with three additional sites being prepared. Those displaced received meals, medical assistance, security, and basic supplies at the temporary accommodations.
Relief efforts intensify in the vicinity of Fuego
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation and relief activities within the affected departments. Authorities advised residents to steer clear of ravines and adhere to instructions issued by emergency teams. They also recommended protecting stored food and water from ashfall. Communities exposed to ash were instructed to use masks or damp cloths over their faces. Response units remained on-site to monitor the evolving situation and assist local governments.
INSIVUMEH, the country’s volcano and weather institute, monitored activity through field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery. Pyroclastic flows were observed in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Gas emissions, lava flows, and ash continued to sustain heightened seismic activity during the eruptive phase. Ash clouds extended beyond the three departments under red alert, reaching Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos.
Traffic disruptions accompany volcanic emergency measures
Authorities closed National Route 14, a key roadway near Fuego volcano. The Education Ministry suspended classes in neighboring communities as ashfall and emergency operations disrupted normal routines. Road monitoring teams managed access points and assessed changing travel conditions around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport continued functioning under protocols for volcanic ash. Security personnel patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had left their homes.
Heavy rains posed an additional hazard by potentially creating lahars, which form when water mixes with loose ash, rocks, and debris, flowing swiftly through riverbeds and ravines. No structural damage has been reported in the affected communities during the latest update, and mudflows have not reached populated areas. Located approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City, Fuego remains one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.