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Volcán de Fuego Erupts, Guatemala Raises Alerts and Evacuates Nearby Villages

Scientists warn the event could persist for 24 to 72 hours, raising the risk of pyroclastic flows, heavy ashfall, lahars.

Overview

  • The eruption began Monday morning and intensified through the night with lava fountains, frequent explosions and ash columns reaching 5,000–7,000+ meters, according to INSIVUMEH.
  • INSIVUMEH reported multiple pyroclastic flows that ran 5–7 kilometers down ravines such as Barranca Seca and Ceniza, which officials say pose the immediate danger to flank communities.
  • CONRED declared an orange-level national alert and ordered preventive evacuations and sheltering for villages including El Porvenir and Las Lajitas while authorities closed Route National 14 and suspended in-person classes.
  • Ash plumes have drifted tens to more than 100 kilometers to the west and northwest, prompting aviation advisories and warnings to protect water, food and respiratory health in affected towns.
  • Reported counts of evacuees and people affected vary across sources, no confirmed deaths have been announced, and officials continue round-the-clock monitoring because activity could change over the next 24–72 hours.