Fuego Volcano Spews More Ash: Guatemala Shelters Evacuees
Poinews.com – The Fuego volcano spews more ash and lava as hundreds of residents living on its slopes evacuated their homes throughout Tuesday. Emergency services issued a red alert, the most severe warning level, after Central America's most active volcano erupted on Monday morning. Conditions continued to intensify by nightfall, prompting widespread evacuations across multiple municipalities.
Rivers of lava streamed down the 3,763-metre volcano located less than 100 kilometres from Guatemala City. Ash rose approximately six kilometres into the sky, creating hazardous conditions for nearby communities. The eruption has affected areas including Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla, which together house a population of 1.6 million people.
Residents Describe Terrifying Scenes
"Since early morning it was active. That night, the alarm was raised that we needed to evacuate," local resident Alejandro Garcia told the AFP news agency. Villagers left of their own accord out of fear, Garcia said, describing terrifying scenes of lava oozing down the mountainside. Many families packed essential belongings and sought refuge in nearby towns.
Firefighters transported at least 500 residents of the El Porvenir and Las Lajitas villages to the eastward San Juan Alotenango municipality. Evacuees are staying in a community hall where makeshift beds have been set up. The number of people taken to other nearby towns remains unknown. "If there were any chance of moving to a different house, it would be better, because you're always afraid since the volcano doesn't give any warning," Lidia Ortiz told AFP at the shelter.
Escuintla to the south was sheltering dozens more families, including children, local authorities reported. The red alert applies to the Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango and Escuintla areas, with a population of 1.6 million. Emergency services director Claudine Ogaldes called on at-risk families to come to shelters voluntarily.
"In those spaces, you will find care, support and safe conditions while the volcanic activity continues," she wrote on X. The country's Institute of Volcanology warned of hot volcanic debris flows down Fuego's slopes, with communities on the western and southern flanks at the greatest risk. Fuego had been erupting for 23 hours straight by Tuesday morning, it said, although the intensity was easing slightly.
Historical Context and Ongoing Response
"We've already gotten used to having the volcano constantly active, but this time it was really too much," 50-year-old resident Sonia Vasquez told AFP. There has so far been no impact on the capital's international airport. The education ministry suspended face-to-face classes in communities within two municipalities near the volcano.
Police closed and later reopened a nearby road leading to the colonial city of Antigua, a tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site. Guatemala lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity. There have been several such mass evacuations in recent years because Fuego erupted.
Authorities evacuated more than 500 people last year after Fuego spurted out gas and ash, with residents moved to shelters from communities near the crater. Another eruption in 2023 pushed around 1,200 people to evacuate. In 2018, 215 people were killed and a similar number left missing when rivers of lava poured down Fuego's slopes and destroyed a village.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been evacuated from the Fuego volcano area?
At least 1,700 people have been sheltered in various locations following the recent eruption. Firefighters transported at least 500 residents to San Juan Alotenango, while dozens more families found refuge in Escuintla. The exact total continues to grow as emergency services coordinate evacuations.
What is the current alert level for the Fuego volcano?
Emergency services have issued a red alert, which is the most severe warning level. This alert applies to the Sacatepequez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla areas, affecting approximately 1.6 million residents. The Institute of Volcanology continues to monitor conditions closely.
When was the last major eruption of Fuego volcano?
Guatemala has experienced several significant eruptions in recent years. In 2018, a devastating eruption killed 215 people and left a similar number missing. Another major eruption in 2023 pushed around 1,200 people to evacuate their homes.
Are schools affected by the volcanic activity?
Yes, the education ministry has suspended face-to-face classes in communities within two municipalities near the volcano. This precautionary measure ensures student safety while the volcanic activity continues.
Is the Fuego volcano still active?
Yes, Fuego had been erupting for 23 hours straight by Tuesday morning according to the Institute of Volcanology. While the intensity was easing slightly, the volcano remains active with hot volcanic debris flows possible down its slopes.
