Guatemala's "Volcán de Fuego" erupts, spewing ash cloud and triggering red alert

Guatemala's highly active "Volcán de Fuego," or Fire Volcano, has erupted, sending a column of ash, gas, and lava fragments four to five kilometers into the sky. The national disaster agency, Conred, reported the eruption approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the capital, Guatemala City.

The highest red alert has been declared for three administrative districts, prompting the evacuation of villages near the volcano. Over 1,400 people have been moved to safety, and residents are seeking shelter in emergency accommodations. School classes have been suspended due to the ongoing activity.

Ash clouds are spreading about 120 kilometers west and northwest, potentially disrupting air traffic in the Chimaltenango and Suchitepéquez regions, which are under the highest alert along with Escuintla. Conred has warned the public to stay clear of the volcano and its southeastern ravines, as hot flows of gas, ash, and rock fragments, known as pyroclastic flows, are descending its slopes.

The institute for seismology and volcanology stated that the volcano is in its "most intense phase." Authorities have blocked access to the volcano after reports of tourists attempting to ascend a nearby volcano to film the eruption. The nearly 3,800-meter-high Fire Volcano is part of the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

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the volcano is currently in its »intensivsten Phase«