Guatemala’s Fuego volcano has erupted, sending lava and ash high into the air and forcing the evacuation of at least two villages on its slopes.
The volcano, one of the most active in the Western Hemisphere, began erupting on Monday and continued to produce dangerous volcanic activity into Tuesday.
According to the government agency monitoring the volcano, pyroclastic flow continued to descend Fuego’s south-eastern slope.
Guatemala’s disaster management agency, Conred, responded by issuing a nationwide orange alert, the country’s second-highest warning level. Authorities warned residents to remain prepared as the ongoing eruption could trigger additional pyroclastic flows and large ash clouds.
Conred advised people living near the volcano to keep their doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to volcanic ash. Schools in communities close to the volcano have also suspended classes as a precaution.
Fuego is located about 16 kilometres west of Antigua, one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. The volcano has also become a favourite destination for hikers.
Authorities have urged both residents and tourists to avoid the volcano’s slopes and all areas considered at risk during the eruption.
Fuego has a long history of destructive eruptions. In 2018, more than 200 people were killed after pyroclastic flows swept rapidly through the Las Lajas ravine, devastating nearby communities.
Officials continue to monitor the latest eruption and have warned that volcanic activity could intensify.
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