GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala activated its highest level of alert across three departments as the Fuego volcano continued a vigorous eruption, leading to evacuations and disturbances in surrounding communities. Authorities issued red alerts in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez and Escuintla, while a national orange alert remained in effect. Approximately 29,000 residents experienced ashfall in 18 communities, with emergency teams maintaining evacuation orders in areas vulnerable to the volcano’s activity.
The volcanic activity started on Monday and grew more intense as gas, lava, and ash surged from the crater. Several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes saw pyroclastic flows traveling distances of five to seven kilometers, containing hot gases, ash, and rocks capable of rapid movement. Monitoring agencies also tracked an ash column extending west and northwest, with volcanic debris reaching well beyond the immediate danger zones.
Initial evacuations began in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, communities situated in San Juan Alotenango. Around 250 individuals from roughly 50 families were initially evacuated. As more residents in vulnerable areas were advised to evacuate, officials expanded shelter operations. Currently, five shelters are accommodating approximately 1,699 people, with three more facilities prepared to support additional evacuees. Families in these shelters receive food, medical assistance, security, and other essential services.
Support in shelters for displaced families
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation efforts and emergency response with local authorities. The agency urged residents to steer clear of ravines, adhere to official directives, and keep emergency supplies ready. It also recommended covering stored water and food supplies to prevent ash contamination. In affected areas, residents were advised to wear masks or damp cloths over their nose and mouth. Emergency teams remain deployed across the three departments under red alert status.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano and weather monitoring institute, reported that the most intense phase produced repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas and Honda ravines. Persistent emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity elevated. Scientists utilized field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery to monitor the eruption’s progress. Ash dispersion affected regions including Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments with red alerts.
Road closures and ash impact local communities
During the emergency, National Route 14, a key roadway near the volcano, was shut down. The Ministry of Education suspended classes in nearby communities, while road maintenance crews monitored access points and travel conditions. La Aurora International Airport continued operations under volcanic ash protocols, according to government sources. Security patrols were deployed around evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard homes and assist residents who had left the danger zones. Authorities also restricted access to certain exposed areas around the volcano.
Heavy rainfall posed an additional threat, as water can mix with loose volcanic material to generate lahars. These fast-moving mudflows can descend ravines, carrying ash, rocks, and debris. Officials confirmed that, as of the latest update, no structural damage has been reported, and mudflows have not reached inhabited 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.