Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire Erupts, Thousands at Risk

SAN JUAN ALOTENANGO, Guatemala (AP) — Guatemala’s Volcan de Fuego erupted overnight, prompting authorities to evacuate nearly 300 families and warn another 30,000 residents of potential danger. The eruption began late Sunday, with the volcano spewing clouds of ash and gas into the sky and leading to school closures and road blockages in surrounding areas.

No immediate casualties have been reported following this latest eruption from the 12,300-foot volcano, which is considered one of the most active in Central America.

The National Disaster Agency’s secretary, Claudinne Ugalde, stated, “Some 30,000 people more or less are at risk in these three jurisdictions, and we are trying to have them evacuate or self-evacuate,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The primary threat from the volcano comes from lahars — a hazardous mixture of ash, rock, mud, and debris capable of engulfing entire communities. Residents remain vigilant after the deadly eruption in 2018, which killed 194 people and left 234 missing.

Isaac García, a 43-year-old resident of El Porvenir in the vicinity of the volcano, recounted the fear instilled by previous eruptions. “We were a little worried because a few years ago, the volcano became active,” he said, referring to the devastation from the past. García evacuated with his mother, wife, three children, and other relatives to a shelter in San Juan Alotenango, donning a mask to shield against falling ash.

The eruption has created a visible plume of ash that stretches high into the atmosphere, concerning officials and leading to heightened alerts. The flow of volcanic material has been described as weak to moderate but is expected to escalate, according to Guatemala’s disaster management agency.

Located about 33 miles southwest of Guatemala City, Volcan de Fuego typically experiences eruptions every four to five years, with the last significant activity occurring in June 2023. During that incident, more than 1,000 people were evacuated.

Guatemala is home to two other active volcanoes: Santiaguito in the west and Pacaya in the south. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert and be prepared for further evacuation if necessary, as conditions continue to develop.