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Fuego Volcano Enters Critical Explosive Phase as Guatemala Raises National Orange Alert

Authorities say the next 72 hours are decisive because ongoing pyroclastic activity and forecast rain could trigger fast-moving flows and lahars.

Overview

  • The eruption began on Monday and intensified through the day, producing lava fountains, high ash columns and fast-moving pyroclastic flows down the volcano’s ravines.
  • INSIVUMEH reported lava fountains of about 200–300 metres and ash plumes reaching roughly 6,000 metres while hot volcanic debris moved through ravines such as Seca and Ceniza.
  • CONRED declared a nationwide orange danger alert and ordered preventive evacuations of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, while roughly 1,700 people remain in temporary shelters.
  • Officials closed National Route 14, suspended in-person classes in nearby municipalities, barred tourist climbs of Fuego and Acatenango, and issued aviation advisories because ash is affecting airspace.
  • Fuego’s deadly 2018 eruption shapes the response today because pyroclastic flows, ashfall and rain-triggered mudflows can sweep down valleys quickly and threaten water, homes and local tourism.