GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala has issued its most severe warning for three departments amid ongoing intense activity from the Fuego volcano. The eruption has led to evacuations and caused disturbances in surrounding communities. Authorities declared red alerts in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while a nationwide orange alert remains active. Approximately 29,000 residents experienced ashfall across 18 different communities, and emergency teams continue to enforce evacuation orders in vulnerable zones near the volcano.
The eruption started on Monday, with increased activity as gas, lava, and ash emerged from the crater. Pyroclastic flows traveled through various ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows contain hot gases, ash, and rocks, and can move swiftly. Monitoring teams also observed an ash column dispersing to the west and northwest, with volcanic material reaching far beyond the immediate danger zones.
Initial evacuations were carried out in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, communities located in San Juan Alotenango. About 250 people from roughly 50 families were evacuated initially. As the situation developed, authorities expanded shelter operations, with more residents leaving at-risk areas. Currently, five shelters are accommodating around 1,699 people, with three more shelters on standby. Families received food, medical assistance, security, and other support services at these temporary sites.
Emergency shelters provide aid to displaced residents
Guatemala’s disaster agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation efforts and emergency support alongside local authorities. The agency advised residents to steer clear of ravines, follow official guidance, and keep emergency supplies prepared. It also recommended covering stored water and food to prevent ash contamination. People in affected zones were instructed to wear masks or damp cloths to shield their nose and mouth. Emergency teams remain deployed across the three departments under red alert.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano and weather monitoring institute, reported that the most intense phase produced repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Continuous emissions of gases, lava, and ash kept seismic activity elevated. Scientists used field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery to track the eruption. Ash dispersal extended to Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, outside the three departments under red alert.
Road closures and ash fallout impact local communities
During the emergency, National Route 14, a critical roadway near the volcano, was shut down. The Education Ministry canceled classes in nearby communities, while road crews monitored access points and travel conditions. La Aurora International Airport continued its operations following volcanic ash protocols, according to government sources. Security patrols were deployed to safeguard evacuated neighborhoods and assist residents who had left their homes. Authorities also restricted access to certain exposed zones around the volcano.
Heavy rains posed additional risks as water mixing with loose volcanic material could form lahars. These fast-moving mudflows can travel down ravines, carrying ash, rocks, and debris. Officials reported no structural damage so far, and mudflows had not reached villages. Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, is situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and has a long history of disruptive eruptions.