A powerful eruption of Guatemala’s Fuego volcano has forced nearly 1,000 people to evacuate, as lava, ash, and rocks pour from the crater. The eruption, which began on Sunday, has sent nearby communities into a state of alert. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking swift action to protect residents. With memories of the devastating 2018 eruption still fresh, the country braces for possible further dangers.
Residents Flee as Fuego Erupts
On Sunday, Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted violently, spewing ash, rocks, and lava into the surrounding areas. The volcano, located just 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital, Guatemala City, triggered widespread panic among residents. Many recalled the deadly eruption in 2018, which claimed over 200 lives and left dozens missing.
Manuel Cobox, a local resident, described the eruption: “We heard loud rumblings, then a powerful explosion. We hope the volcano calms down soon.” Cobox, along with his wife and daughters, evacuated their home to seek shelter.
Evacuations Underway as Authorities Respond
In response to the eruption, Guatemala’s disaster agency, Conred, evacuated approximately 900 people from the communities of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas. Authorities warned that nearly 30,000 residents could be at risk if the eruption worsens. Evacuated families, carrying their belongings, boarded buses and sought refuge in a town hall that had been converted into an emergency shelter.
Government Response and Precautionary Measures
Guatemala, situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Sunday’s eruption brought back painful memories of the 2018 disaster, which killed 215 people. The sight of evacuations and the sound of sirens reignited fears of a repeat catastrophe.
In response, the government implemented several precautionary measures. Schools were closed, and a major road connecting southern Guatemala to Antigua, a popular tourist destination, was shut down. Authorities also issued an emergency alert to coordinate disaster response efforts and ensure the safety of residents.
Monitoring Ash Clouds and Pyroclastic Flows
Experts are closely monitoring the ongoing eruption, particularly the movement of pyroclastic flows—hot clouds of gas, ash, and debris that rush down the slopes of the volcano. The Volcanology Institute has warned that volcanic ash has spread as far as 50 kilometers west of Fuego, potentially affecting air traffic in the region.
In 2023, a similar eruption led to the evacuation of 1,200 people. The government is actively tracking Fuego’s activity to assess the danger and issue further warnings as necessary.
A Nation on Alert
As the situation continues to develop, authorities remain on high alert. Emergency teams are on the ground, coordinating with local communities and ensuring that residents are safe. With a history of dangerous eruptions, the people of Guatemala are no strangers to the threat posed by Fuego and other active volcanoes in the region.
Though the eruption is currently contained, experts warn that the situation could escalate. Evacuation plans remain in place, and authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and ready to evacuate if necessary.
The eruption of Fuego volcano in Guatemala has placed thousands at risk, with evacuations underway and the country on high alert. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the priority remains protecting the safety of residents and preventing further loss of life. The government’s swift actions in closing roads, suspending school activities, and issuing emergency alerts aim to minimize the impact of this natural disaster.
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