Guatemala has declared a nationwide orange alert after the Fuego volcano entered a more explosive phase, prompting evacuations, school closures, and emergency measures in communities near one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.
The National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) raised the alert following increased volcanic activity reported by the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH). Authorities warned that the volcano had entered an explosive eruptive phase, with lava flows, ash emissions, and pyroclastic flows affecting surrounding areas.
Residents of villages on the volcano’s slopes were evacuated as emergency officials urged people in high-risk areas to comply with evacuation orders without delay. According to CONRED, approximately 1,700 people remained in emergency shelters as authorities maintained evacuation measures while monitoring the volcano.
“The CONRED system is active and working in a coordinated manner to protect people’s lives,” CONRED Executive Secretary Claudinne Ogaldes said in a video statement. She also urged residents to follow evacuation orders, stating, “If an evacuation is ordered or conditions pose a risk to your life, follow the principle of self-evacuation.”
As a precaution, Guatemala’s Ministry of Education suspended in-person classes in several municipalities surrounding the volcano. Additionally, authorities temporarily closed sections of National Route 14, a key road linking the Pacific coast with the colonial city of Antigua, due to the risks posed by ashfall and volcanic debris.
Fuego has erupted repeatedly in recent years. Its 2018 eruption was one of Guatemala’s deadliest natural disasters, killing at least 190 people.
In its latest advisories issued early Wednesday, August 5, CONRED reported that Fuego continued to emit gas and ash, with constant incandescent activity and explosions ejecting lava fragments up to 200 meters above the crater. The agency warned that pyroclastic flows could still descend through the volcano’s ravines for distances of between five and seven kilometers.
CONRED urged residents to stay away from ravines and other hazardous areas, protect water and food supplies from ash, wear face masks or a damp cloth to reduce ash inhalation, keep a 72-hour emergency kit ready, review family emergency plans, and follow updates issued through official channels.
