Fuego Volcano Erupts in Guatemala; Thousands Evacuated Amid Tourist Risk

Guatemala's highly active Fuego volcano erupted again, sending a column of ash, gas, and lava fragments four to five kilometers into the sky. The national disaster coordination agency, Conred, reported the eruption, which is occurring approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the capital, Guatemala City.

The highest alert level, red, has been declared for three administrative districts. Conred's head, Claudinne Ogaldes, stated that over 1,400 people have been safely evacuated from villages near the volcano, with residents seeking shelter in emergency accommodations. School classes have been canceled, and approximately 29,000 people in various communities are affected, primarily by ashfall.

Ash clouds are extending about 120 kilometers westward and northwestward, potentially impacting air traffic in the Chimaltenango and Suchitepéquez regions, which are under the highest alert along with Escuintla. Conred urged the public to stay away from the volcano and its ravines, warning of pyroclastic flows – hot streams of gas, ash, and rock fragments – descending the slopes.

The Guatemalan Institute of Seismology and Volcanology emphasized that the volcano is in its "most intense phase" and advised precautionary measures for areas within a ten-kilometer radius. Despite warnings and an ascent ban, reports indicate that tourists have gathered on the nearby Acatenango volcano to observe and film Fuego's activity for social media platforms like TikTok. Access to Acatenango was subsequently blocked to prevent further risk.