GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala has elevated safety warnings in three departments as the volcano continues to erupt vigorously, leading to evacuations and causing disruption in surrounding communities. Authorities issued red alerts for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while a nationwide orange alert remains in place. Approximately 29,000 individuals across 18 communities experienced ashfall, with emergency teams maintaining evacuation orders in vulnerable zones near the volcano.
The eruption commenced on Monday and grew more intense as gases, lava, and ash surged from the crater. Pyroclastic flows traveled through several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows, composed of hot gas, ash, and rock, are capable of moving at rapid speeds. Monitoring agencies also observed an ash plume extending west and northwest, with volcanic materials detected well beyond the immediate danger zone.
Initial evacuations took place in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, communities within San Juan Alotenango. The first evacuation involved around 250 residents from about 50 families. As the situation escalated, authorities expanded shelter operations to accommodate additional displaced persons. Currently, five shelters serve approximately 1,699 people, with three other sites on standby. Families in these shelters are receiving food, medical attention, security, and other essential aid.
Support centers assist displaced residents
The Guatemalan disaster response agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation efforts and emergency assistance with local officials. It advised residents to steer clear of ravines, adhere to official directives, and keep emergency supplies ready. Residents were also warned to cover stored water and food to prevent ash contamination. In affected zones, individuals were instructed to wear masks or damp cloths to shield their nose and mouth. Emergency teams continue to operate in the three departments under red alert.
INSIVUMEH, the national volcano and weather institute, indicated that the most intense activity involved repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Persistent emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity high. Experts employed field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite imaging to monitor the eruption. Ash dispersion reached regions including Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments under red alert.
Road closures and ash fall impact local areas
National Route 14, a key roadway near the volcano, was shut down during the emergency. The Ministry of Education suspended classes in nearby communities, while road maintenance crews monitored access points and travel conditions. La Aurora International Airport continued functioning under volcanic ash protocols, according to officials. Security patrols also safeguarded evacuated neighborhoods to protect properties and assist residents who had left the area. Authorities restricted access to some vulnerable zones surrounding the volcano.
Heavy rains posed additional risks, as water can mix with loose volcanic debris to generate lahars—fast-moving mudflows that carry ash, rocks, and debris down ravines. As of the latest reports, no structural damage has been documented, and mudflows have not reached villages. Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and has a long history of disruptive eruptions.