Fuego volcano erupts in Guatemala: Authorities warn of critical 72 hours
About 1,700 people remain in shelters following the eruption of the Fuego volcano in Guatemala. Authorities have raised the alert level to red, warning that the next 72 hours are critical due to mudflows.
About 1,700 people are still staying in shelters after being evacuated from their homes following the eruption of the Fuego volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Authorities in Guatemala have ordered the evacuees not to return to their homes until the situation stabilizes.
The national emergency agency CONRED has raised the alert level to red in the departments of Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango, where about 29,000 people are affected by volcanic ash fall. Schools in the area remain closed.
Authorities warned that the next 72 hours will be critical, as mud and volcanic debris flows of up to seven kilometers continue to flow down the mountain's slopes. Rains expected in the area could increase the risk of forming additional volcanic mudflows.
As of now, the mudflows have not yet reached the settlements, and there have been no reports of damage to structures or homes in immediate danger. The Secretary General of the emergency agency, Claudinne Ogaldes, called on residents to cover water reservoirs and use masks for protection against the volcanic ash.
The eruption began on Monday morning, when columns of gas and ash rose above the mountain, while lava and pyroclastic flows—a deadly mixture of hot gases, ash, and rocks—flowed down its slopes. The emission of ash and volcanic mud continued on Tuesday as well.
Among the evacuees are about 250 residents from the settlement of El Porvenir and the village of Las Lajas. Authorities warned that the volcanic ash is expected to spread to nearby settlements as well.
Following the eruption, Highway 14, one of the main traffic arteries passing near the volcano, was closed, and the Ministry of Education suspended classes in nearby settlements.
The Fuego volcano is particularly remembered for its deadly eruption in June 2018, in which hundreds of people were killed and an entire village was destroyed. Another eruption was recorded last year as well, which led to the preventive evacuation of residents.
