GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala has elevated the alert status to its highest level in three departments as Fuego volcano emitted ash, lava, and hazardous pyroclastic flows. Authorities issued a red alert for Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla. During this crisis, an orange alert remained active nationwide. Officials reported that ashfall impacted approximately 29,000 individuals across 18 communities. Emergency teams continued evacuations in areas near exposed ravines and settlements.
The eruption grew more intense on Monday as gas and ash columns soared above the crater. Pyroclastic flows traveled down five ravines on the volcano’s western and southwestern slopes. Some of these flows covered distances between five and seven kilometers from the crater. These fast-moving currents contain extremely hot gases, volcanic rocks, and ash. Monitoring teams also tracked an ash cloud spreading west and northwest across several regions of Guatemala.
Initial evacuations targeted El Porvenir and Las Lajitas in the San Juan Alotenango municipality. Around 250 residents from about 50 families were moved initially. As ashfall and volcanic dangers persisted, shelter use expanded. Five shelters now accommodate roughly 1,699 people, with three additional locations prepared. Evacuated families received meals, medical assistance, security, and basic supplies at these sites.
Relief efforts increase near Fuego
Guatemala’s disaster response agency, CONRED, organized local evacuations and relief operations in the affected areas. Officials advised residents to stay away from ravines and follow instructions from emergency teams. They also recommended protecting stored food and water from falling ash. Communities facing exposure received guidance to use masks or damp cloths over their faces. Response teams remained in the area to monitor conditions and assist local authorities.
INSIVUMEH, the national volcano and weather institute, monitored activity through field observers, sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery. Scientists detected pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity elevated during the eruption. Ash drifted into Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos. The ash cloud extended beyond the three departments under the red alert.
Volcanic emergency prompts road closures
Authorities shut down National Route 14, a key roadway near Fuego volcano. The Education Ministry canceled classes in nearby communities due to ashfall and ongoing emergency efforts. Road crews monitored access points and changing travel conditions around the volcano. La Aurora International Airport continued operations under volcanic ash protocols. Security officers patrolled evacuated neighborhoods to safeguard property and assist residents who had evacuated.
Rainfall added another risk, as water could combine with loose ash, rocks, and debris to form lahars. These fast-moving mudflows can travel quickly through riverbeds and steep ravines. According to the latest update, there was no structural damage reported in the affected communities. Mudflows had not yet reached populated areas. Fuego is located about 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.