Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire Erupts, Putting Thousands at Risk

Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire Erupts, Forcing Hundreds to Evacuate

Hundreds Evacuated as Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire Erupts

Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire erupted overnight, forcing the evacuation of nearly 300 families, while authorities warn that another 30,000 people in the region could be at risk.

The 12,300-foot (3,763-meter) volcano, one of Central America’s most active, last erupted in June 2023. Although there are no immediate reports of casualties, the eruption has triggered school closures and the shutdown of a key road connecting communities.

Volcanic Activity and Rising Danger

The eruption sent gas and ash high into the sky on Monday, prompting Guatemala’s disaster agency to issue urgent warnings.

• Claudinne Ugalde, secretary of the disaster agency, emphasized the potential danger, stating, “Some 30,000 people are at risk in these three jurisdictions, and we are encouraging them to evacuate or self-evacuate.”
• The biggest concern is lahars—a deadly mixture of ash, rock, mud, and debris—which can bury entire towns if they gain momentum.

Memories of 2018 Tragedy

The eruption has raised fears among residents, especially those who remember the devastating 2018 eruption, which killed 194 people and left 234 missing.

Isaac García, 43, a resident of El Porvenir, recalled the past disaster when he and his family decided to evacuate early Monday.

“We were a little worried because a few years ago the volcano became active,” García said, referencing the 2018 tragedy. Wearing a mask to protect himself from falling ash, he arrived at a shelter in San Juan Alotenango with his mother, wife, three children, and other relatives.

Government Response and Ongoing Threat

Located just 33 miles (53 km) from Guatemala’s capital, the Volcano of Fire remains a serious threat. Authorities report that while the current volcanic flow is weak to moderate, it is expected to increase in intensity.

Emergency shelters have been opened, and residents in high-risk zones are urged to remain vigilant as the situation develops.

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