GUATEMALA / RankWire.AI / – Guatemala has elevated its warning status to the highest level in three departments as the Fuego volcano continues its vigorous eruption. The ongoing activity has led to evacuations and disruptions in nearby areas. Officials issued red alerts in Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez, and Escuintla, with a nationwide orange alert still active. Approximately 29,000 residents in 18 communities experienced ash fallout, while emergency teams maintained evacuation orders in vulnerable zones near the volcano.
The eruption started on Monday and grew more intense as gases, lava, and ash surged from the crater. Pyroclastic flows descended through several ravines on Fuego’s western and southwestern slopes, reaching distances of five to seven kilometers. These flows are hot mixtures of gas, ash, and rock, capable of moving rapidly. Monitoring teams also observed an ash plume spreading west and northwest, with volcanic material detected well beyond the immediate danger zone.
Preventive evacuations began in the communities of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, located in San Juan Alotenango. Initially, about 250 people from roughly 50 families were evacuated. As conditions worsened, officials expanded shelter operations to accommodate more residents leaving at-risk areas. Five shelters are currently hosting approximately 1,699 individuals, with three more ready to open if needed. Families in these shelters are receiving food, medical aid, security, and other support.
Support in Shelters for Evacuated Residents
The disaster management agency CONRED coordinated the evacuations and emergency aid with local authorities. The agency advised residents to stay away from ravines, follow official guidance, and keep emergency supplies ready. It recommended covering stored water and food to prevent ash contamination. People in affected areas were advised to wear masks or damp cloths to cover their mouths and noses. Emergency teams remain active in the three departments under red alert.
INSIVUMEH, Guatemala’s volcano and weather institute, reported that the most active phase produced repeated pyroclastic flows in the Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Honda ravines. Emissions of gas, lava, and ash kept seismic activity high. Scientists used field observations, seismic and infrasound sensors, cameras, and satellite images to monitor the eruption. Ash spread as far as Sololá, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, and San Marcos, extending beyond the three departments under red alert.
Road Closures and Ashfall Impact on Communities
National Route 14, an important roadway near the volcano, was shut down during the emergency. The Education Ministry canceled classes in nearby communities. Road crews monitored access points and travel conditions. According to the government, La Aurora International Airport continued its operations under volcanic ash protocols. Security patrols checked evacuated neighborhoods to protect homes and assist residents who left the area. Authorities also restricted access to some zones around the mountain.
Rainfall poses additional risks as water can mix with volcanic debris, creating lahars—fast-moving mudflows. These can carry ash, rocks, and debris through ravines. As of the latest report, no structural damage has been recorded, and mudflows have not reached any villages. Fuego, a highly active volcano in Central America, is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Guatemala City and has a history of disruptive eruptions.