Guatemala on Alert: Fuego Volcano's Fiery Eruption Forces Evacuations

Central America's most active volcano, Fuego, erupted on Monday morning, with conditions worsening by Tuesday. The eruption sent ash plumes six kilometers (3.73 miles) into the sky and caused rivers of lava to stream down its slopes. In response, authorities issued the country's second-most severe alert warning.

Hundreds of people living on the volcano's slopes were evacuated from villages like El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, with many relocating to temporary shelters in nearby municipalities. Residents expressed fear due to the volcano's unpredictable nature. The Institute of Volcanology warned of hot volcanic debris flows, particularly on the western and southern flanks.

While the eruption's intensity began to ease by Tuesday morning after 23 hours, authorities urged precautions for air traffic, though the capital's airport remained unaffected. Face-to-face classes were suspended in two municipalities, and a road encircling the mountain range connecting the south coast to Antigua was closed.

Guatemala, situated on the Pacific 'ring of fire,' experiences frequent volcanic activity. This event is the latest in a series of evacuations due to Fuego's eruptions, including one in 2023 that prompted around 1,200 people to evacuate and a devastating 2018 eruption that caused numerous fatalities.