GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – In Guatemala, the highest warning level has been declared in three departments following an eruption of the Fuego volcano that released ash, lava, and hazardous pyroclastic flows. Authorities have issued a red alert for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla. During the crisis, an orange alert remains in effect nationwide. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 residents across 18 communities, while rescue teams continue evacuations near vulnerable ravines and settlements.
The eruption grew more intense on Monday, with gas and ash columns rising high above the crater. Pyroclastic flows descended down five ravines on the volcano’s western and southwestern slopes, with some traveling between five and seven kilometers from the crater. These swift-moving currents consist of extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring units also tracked an ash cloud spreading west and northwest, affecting multiple parts of Guatemala.
Initial evacuations targeted El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in San Juan Alotenango municipality, moving around 250 residents from roughly 50 families. As the situation developed, shelter operations expanded to accommodate more people fleeing areas threatened by ashfall and volcanic dangers. Five shelters currently shelter about 1,699 individuals, with three additional sites being prepared. Families evacuated received meals, medical assistance, security, and essential supplies at these temporary locations.
Relief efforts intensify in areas near Fuego
The Guatemalan disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation and relief operations across the affected departments. Officials advised residents to steer clear of ravines and adhere to instructions from emergency responders. They also recommended safeguarding stored food and water from falling ash. Communities exposed to the volcanic activity were advised to use masks or damp cloths over their faces. Response teams remained in the area to monitor developments and assist local authorities.
INSIVUMEH, the national volcano and weather institute, monitored the activity via field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery. Pyroclastic flows were observed in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Gas emissions, lava flow, and ash persistently kept seismic activity high during the eruption. Ash extended to Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, reaching beyond the three departments under red alert.
Road closures accompany volcanic emergency response
Authorities shut down National Route 14, a key road passing near Fuego volcano. The Education Ministry suspended classes in nearby communities as ash and emergency response activities disrupted normal routines. Road crews monitored access points and changing travel conditions around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport maintained operations following volcanic ash procedures. Security personnel patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had evacuated their homes.
Heavy rain posed an additional risk, as water can mix with loose ash, rocks, and volcanic debris to form lahars that flow rapidly through river channels and ravines. According to the latest reports, no structural damage has been recorded in affected communities. Mudflows have not reached populated villages either. Fuego, situated about 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City, remains among Central America’s most active volcanoes.