Guatemalan authorities have issued a nationwide orange alert following the eruption of the Fuego volcano. The eruption began on a Monday morning and increased in intensity throughout the day, according to Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of the disaster management agency CONRED.
The Guatemalan Seismology, Vulcanology, Weather and Water Institute reported that the level of explosiveness is increasing. A lava fountain between 200m and 300m has developed over the crater of the Fuego volcano.
As a preventive measure, CONRED has begun evacuating the village of El Porvenir and the hamlet of Las Lajitas. The evacuation involves approximately 50 families or 250 people.
Infrastructure and local impact
National Route 14, a major highway passing close to the volcano, has been closed. Additionally, the education ministry suspended classes in towns located near the Fuego volcano.
The Fuego volcano is located either 35 kilometres from Guatemala City or 50 kilometres southwest of the city. The volcano is one of the most active in Central America.
Historical context
A previous eruption of the Fuego volcano in June 2018 destroyed a village and killed hundreds of people, with some reports specifying approximately 200 deaths. Authorities stated that the 2018 eruption affected up to 1.7 million people.
Updates
The Fuego volcano is experiencing its 'most intense phase,' with columns of lava, gas, and ash reaching approximately 4 kilometers into the sky. Ash clouds have traveled 60 kilometers to the west, potentially disrupting air traffic, while authorities have advised extreme caution within a 10-kilometer radius. Additionally, some local businesses have temporarily shuttered, and reports indicate onlookers are still climbing the nearby Acatenango volcano despite safety bans.
The Fuego volcano is entering its 'most intense phase,' with lava, gas, and ash columns reaching approximately 4 kilometers into the sky. Ash clouds have traveled 60 kilometers to the west, potentially disrupting air traffic, while CONRED has advised residents to stay clear of a 10-kilometer radius and prepare 72-hour emergency kits. Local businesses in the vicinity have also temporarily shuttered due to the increased activity.
The Fuego volcano is currently experiencing its 'most intense phase,' with lava, gas, and ash columns reaching approximately 4 kilometers into the sky and ash clouds spreading 60 kilometers to the west. CONRED has warned of potential air traffic disruptions and advised residents within a 10-kilometer radius to exercise extreme caution, keep windows closed, and prepare 72-hour emergency kits. Additionally, some local businesses have temporarily shuttered, while reports indicate onlookers are still climbing the nearby Acatenango volcano despite safety bans.
The Fuego volcano has entered its 'most intense phase,' ejecting columns of lava, gas, and ash approximately 4 kilometers into the sky. Ash clouds have traveled up to 60 kilometers west, potentially causing significant air traffic disruptions according to CONRED. Consequently, authorities have advised extreme caution within a 10-kilometer radius and recommended that residents prepare 72-hour emergency kits.
