Fuego volcano erupts in Guatemala, forcing 1,700 residents to evacuate

Guatemala has raised the danger alert level to red for three villages following the eruption of the Fuego volcano earlier this week, prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,700 residents. The volcano, one of Central America's most active, erupted on Monday, releasing gas, ash, and lava, and continues to emit ash and mud. Officials say the next 72 hours will be critical as they monitor the situation closely.

The evacuations come as heavy rains are expected, which could increase the risk of volcanic mudflows. According to the country's disaster agency, Conred, mudflows stretching up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) are currently descending from the volcano. The red alert status affects about 29,000 people in the municipalities of Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango, where officials are urging residents to cover water supplies and wear masks to protect against ashfall.

In response to the eruption, National Route 14, a major highway near the volcano, has been closed, and schools in the affected areas have suspended classes. Although no villages have been damaged yet and no mudflows have reached inhabited areas, the threat remains high. Conred's executive director, Claudinne Ogaldes, emphasized the importance of vigilance as conditions could change rapidly.

Guatemala is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to volcanic and seismic activity. Fuego volcano has a history of triggering mass evacuations, including a significant eruption last year that displaced over 500 people. The deadliest eruption occurred in 2018, when hot ash and lava buried entire villages, resulting in nearly 200 confirmed deaths and many more missing. The current situation underscores the ongoing risks posed by volcanic activity in the region.