Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) said eruptive activity has gradually declined since the volcano became more active on Monday. However, officials cautioned that a tropical wave approaching from the east could produce intense rainfall capable of triggering lahars—fast-moving mixtures of volcanic ash, mud, rocks and water that can rapidly travel down river valleys and cause widespread destruction.

Emergency officials urged residents to continue following evacuation orders and official safety instructions despite the reduction in volcanic activity.

Authorities Maintain Monitoring Despite Improving Conditions

CONRED said some residents evacuated between Monday and Tuesday have voluntarily returned to their homes, but emphasized that the volcano remains active and conditions can change quickly.

Authorities said continuous monitoring will remain in place as weather conditions evolve and emergency teams assess the risk of additional volcanic hazards.

More Than 1,700 Residents Were Evacuated

About 1,700 people from at least 18 communities surrounding Fuego were evacuated after the eruption began Monday.

Officials reported that no fatalities or significant property damage had been confirmed as of Wednesday.

Images from the area showed intermittent ash emissions throughout the day. During the height of the eruption, lava fountains reached approximately 300 meters (984 feet), prompting authorities to declare red alerts, close a major highway and suspend classes in the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez.

Rainfall Now Presents the Greatest Threat

Emergency officials said the primary hazard has shifted from eruptive activity to the possibility that heavy rain could remobilize accumulated volcanic ash and debris.

Lahars remain among the most dangerous secondary hazards following volcanic eruptions because they can rapidly sweep through valleys and river channels long after explosive activity has diminished.

Authorities said communities located downstream from the volcano should remain vigilant until weather conditions improve.

One of Central America’s Most Active Volcanoes

Fuego rises approximately 3,768 meters (12,360 feet) above sea level and is one of Central America’s most active stratovolcanoes.

Located about 53 kilometers (33 miles) southwest of Guatemala City, the volcano spans the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez and experiences frequent eruptive episodes.

2018 Disaster Remains a Stark Reminder

The latest eruption has revived memories of Fuego’s catastrophic eruption on June 3, 2018, when fast-moving pyroclastic flows devastated nearby communities, killing hundreds of people and affecting an estimated 1.7 million residents.

Another period of heightened volcanic activity last year also prompted precautionary evacuations, highlighting the persistent risk faced by communities living on the volcano’s slopes.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring volcanic activity and weather conditions while urging residents to remain alert and follow official guidance until the risk from lahars and other volcanic hazards has fully subsided.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

The post Fuego Volcano Activity Eases in Guatemala but Authorities Warn of Ongoing Lahar Risk appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

About 1,700 evacuees remained in temporary shelters after being displaced by the eruption, according to Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED). Officials said residents would not be allowed to return home until volcanic activity subsides and safety assessments are completed.

Authorities declared a red alert in the departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, where ashfall has affected an estimated 29,000 people. Schools remained closed in impacted communities, and emergency agencies said the next 72 hours will be critical.

Rain Threatens to Intensify Volcanic Hazards

CONRED warned that lahars—fast-moving volcanic mudflows made of ash, rock and water—continue moving down the volcano’s slopes, with some extending up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles).

Forecasters expect rainfall to increase over the coming days, raising the risk that additional mudflows could develop and threaten nearby communities.

Although the lahars had not reached populated areas by Tuesday, authorities urged residents to remain alert and follow official evacuation instructions if conditions change.

CONRED Executive Secretary Claudinne Ogaldes advised residents to cover water storage containers to prevent ash contamination and wear face masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash.

Evacuations Continue as Ashfall Spreads

The eruption began Monday morning, producing towering columns of ash and volcanic gas while lava and pyroclastic flows descended the volcano’s slopes.

Volcanic activity continued Tuesday, generating additional ash emissions and mudflows.

Among those evacuated were about 250 residents from the community of El Porvenir and the nearby settlement of Las Lajitas. Officials also warned that changing winds could carry volcanic ash into additional surrounding communities.

As a precaution, authorities closed National Route 14, one of the main highways passing near the volcano, while the Education Ministry suspended classes in affected areas.

Fuego Remains One of Central America’s Most Active Volcanoes

Fuego, also known as the Volcano of Fire, is one of Central America’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, producing frequent eruptions that threaten nearby communities.

Its most devastating recent eruption occurred in June 2018, when fast-moving pyroclastic flows overwhelmed villages on the volcano’s slopes, killing hundreds of people. Another eruption last year also prompted precautionary evacuations.

Emergency officials continue monitoring the volcano around the clock, saying weather conditions and rainfall will play a critical role in determining how the situation develops over the coming days.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

The post Guatemala Keeps Thousands on Alert as Fuego Volcano Continues Erupting appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.