Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano Erupts Again, Sparking Mass Evacuation
The Fuego volcano, straddling the borders of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, erupted on Monday, prompting Guatemalan authorities to lift an orange alert—the second‑highest emergency status—after a spike in activity.
Officials say that roughly 400 residents were air‑lifted from communities within the volcano’s crater zone and put into temporary shelters in Alotenango and the nearby city of Escuintla. Schools in the region were shut down to reduce the risk of ashfall and potential explosions.
During the 2018 eruption, Fuego spewed molten lava and ash, killing over a hundred people. The current eruption has volcanic ash plumes reaching the lower atmosphere and recurring ashfall warnings across Central America.
The volcano sits about 16 km west of the historic city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts many tourists every year. In recent years, Fuego has also been a popular spot for hikers and volcano‑enthusiasts.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to follow official evacuation instructions for their safety.
Read about the 2018 eruption that left hundreds dead.
