GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala activated its maximum alert status for three departments as the Fuego volcano persisted with a powerful eruption, leading to evacuations and disturbances in nearby communities. Authorities issued red alerts in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, while an orange alert remained in effect nationwide. Nearly 29,000 residents experienced ash fall across 18 communities, and emergency crews maintained evacuation orders for vulnerable areas adjacent to the volcano.
The eruption started on Monday and grew more intense as gases, lava and ash surged from the crater. Pyroclastic flows traversed several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, extending five to seven kilometers. These flows, which carry hot gas, ash and rock, can move rapidly. Monitoring teams also observed an ash column drifting west and northwest, with volcanic material detected far beyond the immediate danger zone.
Initial evacuations occurred in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, villages within San Juan Alotenango. Around 250 individuals from roughly 50 families were evacuated at first. As more residents left their homes, authorities expanded shelter operations, with five shelters accommodating approximately 1,699 people and three additional sites prepared for use. Food, medical aid, security, and other support services were provided to families staying in these temporary facilities.
Support for displaced families at emergency shelters
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, CONRED, coordinated evacuation efforts and emergency assistance with local authorities. The agency advised residents to steer clear of ravines, adhere to official guidance, and keep emergency supplies on hand. It also recommended covering stored water and food to prevent contamination from ash. People in affected regions were instructed to wear masks or damp cloths over their nose and mouth. Emergency teams remained deployed across the three departments under red alert status.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano and weather institute, reported that the most intense phase generated repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Ongoing emissions of gas, lava, and ash sustained high seismic activity. Scientists utilized field observers, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite images to monitor the eruption. Ash dispersal extended to Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, outside the three departments on red alert.
Road closures and ash fall impact local communities
During the emergency, National Route 14, a key road near the volcano, was shut down. The Education Ministry suspended classes in nearby communities, while road maintenance crews monitored access points and travel safety. According to the government, La Aurora International Airport continued functioning under volcanic ash protocols. Security patrols guarded evacuated neighborhoods to protect properties and assist residents who had left. Access to some exposed zones around the mountain was restricted by authorities.
Heavy rainfall posed an additional threat as water could combine with loose volcanic material, forming lahars. These fast-moving mudflows have the potential to descend ravines, carrying ash, rocks, and debris. Officials confirmed that no structural damage had been reported as of the latest update, and mudflows had not reached inhabited villages. Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, is situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and has a history of disruptive eruptions.