Guatemala’s Fuego volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupted on Sunday night, prompting authorities to evacuate nearly 300 families. The eruption has raised alarms for an additional 30,000 residents living near the volcano, with ongoing concerns about ash clouds and lahars. While no casualties have been reported so far, officials are taking precautions, including school closures and road blockages, as the eruption continues.

Evacuations and Ongoing Threats
The eruption of Fuego volcano, located just 60 kilometers from Guatemala City, began Sunday night and has escalated fears among nearby residents. Authorities have already relocated about 300 families to shelters, but they warn that up to 30,000 more people remain at risk. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Insivumeh) is closely monitoring the situation, as volcanic activity is expected to intensify in the coming days.

Isaac García, a resident of El Porvenir, recalled the devastating 2018 eruption, which killed 194 people and left 234 missing. This history of destruction has made the current eruption all the more alarming. García and his family evacuated immediately, taking refuge in a shelter in San Juan Alotenango.

Lahars and Ash Clouds: Key Risks
The eruption has generated significant ash clouds and lahars—fast-moving flows of ash, rocks, mud, and debris—which pose a major threat to surrounding communities. Experts warn that these volcanic flows could bury entire villages if they continue to intensify. Lahars are particularly dangerous because they can move quickly and are difficult to predict.

As the ash clouds reach altitudes of up to 7,000 meters, air travel has also been impacted, with airlines operating under restrictions to avoid flying through the volcanic ash. Guatemala’s disaster agency has issued warnings for affected regions, advising residents to stay on high alert.

School Closures and Road Blockages
In response to the escalating volcanic activity, local authorities have closed all schools in the surrounding area to ensure the safety of children and staff. Additionally, key roads linking several communities have been blocked to prevent further risk. The government is coordinating with local officials to ensure that evacuation efforts continue smoothly and that the public is kept informed of the developing situation.

In 2018, a violent eruption of Fuego killed hundreds and caused widespread destruction, prompting fears of a similar disaster this time. The eruption in June 2023 was less severe but still left a lasting impact on the region. Given the volcano’s history of frequent eruptions, authorities are taking no chances this time.

The Science Behind the Eruption
Fuego, standing at 3,763 meters, has remained active for much of its recent history, erupting regularly. The volcano had only been inactive for about 50 days before this latest eruption, underscoring the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity in the region. Insivumeh continues to monitor the eruption closely, issuing regular updates on the ash clouds, lahars, and potential hazards.

In response to the eruption, Guatemala’s government has raised the alert level and is working with emergency response teams to provide shelter and support for those displaced by the eruption. The eruption of Fuego is one of many that have occurred along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its frequent volcanic and seismic activity.

Looking Ahead: Response and Recovery
While authorities have managed to evacuate many people from the most affected areas, the situation remains fluid. Experts predict that volcanic activity will continue in the coming days, and the full impact of the eruption will depend on how long the eruption lasts and how much lava and ash continue to flow from the crater.

As Guatemala continues to deal with the eruption, relief efforts are underway to provide food, shelter, and medical support to those who have been displaced. The government, along with local and international agencies, is also working on plans for long-term recovery to rebuild affected communities.

The eruption of Fuego volcano is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With nearly 30,000 residents still at risk, ongoing evacuation efforts, and the threat of lahars and ash clouds, authorities are doing everything they can to protect lives. The situation is developing rapidly, and Guatemala’s disaster agencies remain on high alert.

For more updates on the eruption and relief efforts, visit Wallstreet Storys.