GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala has elevated the alert status to its highest level in three departments following the eruption of Fuego volcano, which emitted ash, flowing lava, and hazardous pyroclastic material. Authorities designated Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla under a red alert. Throughout this crisis, an orange alert remained in effect nationwide. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 residents across 18 communities, with emergency teams actively evacuating residents from areas near exposed ravines and settlements.
The eruption grew more intense on Monday, with columns of volcanic gases and ash rising high above the crater. Pyroclastic flows descended along five ravines on the volcano’s western and southwestern sides. Some of these flows traveled between five and seven kilometers from the crater, moving swiftly and containing extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring teams also tracked an ash cloud drifting west and northwest, covering several regions within Guatemala.
Initial evacuations included the communities of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas within the municipality of San Juan Alotenango. About 250 residents from roughly 50 families were moved to safety during this first phase. As conditions worsened with increased ashfall and volcanic activity, shelter capacity expanded to accommodate more evacuees. Five shelters now host approximately 1,699 people, with arrangements underway for three additional sites. Evacuated families received meals, medical care, security, and essential supplies to support them during the emergency.
Response efforts intensify in the vicinity of Fuego
The disaster management agency CONRED coordinated local evacuation and relief activities across the affected departments. Authorities urged residents to steer clear of ravines and to follow directives from emergency personnel. They also recommended protecting stored food and water from ash contamination. Residents in exposed communities were advised to wear masks or damp cloths over their faces to minimize inhalation of ash. Teams remained on-site to monitor evolving conditions and to provide support to local authorities.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s primary volcano and weather monitoring agency, utilized field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery to monitor ongoing activity. Records indicated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Elevated seismic activity persisted due to ongoing emissions of gas, lava, and ash during this eruptive period. The ash cloud dispersed to Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments currently under red alert.
Transportation disruptions accompany volcanic crisis
Authorities have closed National Route 14, a key roadway that runs near Fuego volcano. The Education Ministry also suspended classes in nearby communities as ash and emergency response activities disrupted normal routines. Road maintenance crews monitored access points and managed travel safety around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport continued operations under specific volcanic ash protocols. Security personnel patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had already left their homes.
Heavy rains presented an additional threat by mixing with loose ash, rocks, and volcanic debris, creating the potential for lahars—rapidly flowing mudflows that follow riverbeds and steep terrain. Up to this point, no structural damages have been reported within the affected communities, and mudflows have not reached populated areas. Fuego, located roughly 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City, remains one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, posing ongoing risks to the region.