Guatemala issues danger alert, evacuates villages after volcano eruption

Guatemalan authorities have issued an orange alert and evacuated two villages near the Fuego volcano following a significant eruption on August 3. The alert, the country's second-highest emergency level, was declared due to the volcano's powerful activity, located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the capital, Guatemala City.

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) announced the evacuation measures to ensure the safety of residents living in close proximity to the active volcano. The Fuego volcano is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

This latest eruption adds to a history of destructive events associated with Fuego. In 2018, a massive eruption sent lava flows down the volcano's slopes, destroying an entire village and resulting in 215 confirmed deaths and an estimated 215 people missing. More recently, in 2023, another eruption prompted the evacuation of around 1,200 people.

Last year, Fuego also spewed large amounts of gas and ash, leading authorities to evacuate over 500 residents from communities near the crater and relocate them to temporary shelters. The ongoing volcanic activity underscores the constant risk faced by communities in the region.

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Due to the large-scale eruption of the Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometers from the capital Guatemala City, a nationwide orange alert has been issued.