GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – The government of Guatemala escalated the warning to its maximum level in three departments as Fuego volcano emitted ash, lava, and perilous pyroclastic flows. Authorities declared red alert status for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while an orange alert remained active nationwide during the crisis. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 residents across 18 communities, with emergency teams continuing evacuations near vulnerable ravines and settlements.
The eruption grew more intense on Monday as plumes of gas and ash ascended above the crater. Pyroclastic flows traveled down five ravines located on the volcano’s western and southwestern slopes, with some reaching distances between five and seven kilometers from the crater. These rapid flows contain extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring teams also tracked an ash cloud that expanded westward and northwestward across various regions of Guatemala.
Initial evacuations included the communities of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in the San Juan Alotenango municipality, evacuating approximately 250 residents from around 50 families. As the situation worsened, shelter capacity expanded, and more residents left communities threatened by ashfall and volcanic danger. Five shelters now accommodate roughly 1,699 individuals, with three additional sites being prepared. Evacuated families received meals, medical aid, security, and essential supplies at these temporary locations.
Relief efforts increase in response to Fuego activity
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation procedures and relief efforts in the affected areas. Officials urged residents to stay away from ravines and adhere to instructions from emergency teams. They also advised families to safeguard stored food and water from falling ash. Those in exposed communities were instructed to use masks or damp cloths over their faces. Response units remained in the vicinity to monitor conditions and assist local authorities.
INSIVUMEH, the national volcano and weather institute, kept track of activity via field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery. Pyroclastic flows were documented in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Seismic activity remained elevated due to ongoing emissions of gas, lava, and ash during the eruption phase. Ash clouds extended across Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, reaching beyond the three departments under red alert.
Volcanic emergency leads to road closures
Authorities shut down National Route 14, a major highway near Fuego volcano. The Education Ministry canceled classes in nearby communities due to ashfall and ongoing emergency operations disrupting normal activities. Road crews monitored access points and changing travel conditions around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport continued functioning following volcanic ash procedures. Security personnel also patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had relocated.
Additional hazards arose from rain, as water can mix with loose ash, rocks, and volcanic debris, potentially creating lahars that flow swiftly through rivers and steep ravines. During the latest update, officials confirmed there was no structural damage reported in the affected communities. Mudflows had not yet reached inhabited villages. Fuego, situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City, remains one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.