GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – In response to the ash, lava, and hazardous pyroclastic flows from Fuego volcano, Guatemala elevated its alert status to the maximum level in three departments. Authorities issued a red alert for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while an orange alert remained active nationwide during this crisis. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 residents across 18 communities, with emergency teams continuing evacuations near vulnerable ravines and populated areas.
The eruption intensified on Monday as gas and ash columns surged 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 fast-moving currents carry intense heat, volcanic rocks, and ash. Additionally, monitoring teams tracked an ash cloud drifting west and northwest over several regions of Guatemala.
Initially, authorities evacuated residents from El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in the San Juan Alotenango municipality, relocating around 250 people from roughly 50 families. As the situation evolved, more communities at risk from ash and volcanic hazards were also evacuated. A total of five shelters now shelter approximately 1,699 individuals, with three additional sites being prepared. Evacuated families received meals, medical assistance, security, and essential supplies at these temporary facilities.
Response efforts intensify near Fuego
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuations and relief activities across the affected departments. Authorities advised residents to steer clear of ravines and adhere to instructions from emergency personnel. They also recommended safeguarding stored food and water from ash fallout. People living in exposed communities were instructed to wear masks or damp cloths over their faces. Response teams remained in the area to monitor conditions and assist local authorities.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s national volcano and weather institute, utilized field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery to track activity. Pyroclastic flows were documented in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity heightened during the eruptive phase. Ash reached into Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments under red alert.
Volcanic emergency prompts road closures
Authorities shut down National Route 14, a major roadway near Fuego. The Education Ministry suspended classes in neighboring communities as ash and emergency operations disrupted normal routines. Road maintenance crews monitored access points and travel conditions around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport continued functioning under volcanic ash protocols. Security personnel also patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had left their homes.
Heavy rain created additional hazards as water combined with loose ash, rocks, and volcanic debris, potentially forming lahars that travel rapidly through riverbeds and ravines. According to the latest updates, no structural damage has been reported within the affected communities, and mudflows have yet to reach populated areas. Fuego, situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City, remains one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.