Guatemala on Volcano Alert After Fuego Erupts
On Tuesday, Guatemala remained vigilant following the evacuation of several villages due to the eruption of the Fuego volcano, a prominent active volcano in Central America. Approximately 1,700 individuals are currently housed in shelters, with evacuations set to continue until conditions improve, as stated by CONRED, the nation's disaster agency. The alert level was elevated to red in the regions of Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango, impacting around 29,000 residents due to ashfall, leading to school closures. Officials indicated that the next 72 hours are crucial, as mudflows reaching up to 7 km (4.3 miles) are still moving from the volcano, with anticipated rain heightening the risk of further mudflows. Thankfully, no villages have been affected, and no damage to structures has been reported. Claudinne Ogaldes, CONRED's executive secretary, advised residents to secure their water supplies and wear face masks for ash protection. The eruption commenced Monday morning, producing gas and ash clouds, with additional mud and ash released on Tuesday.
Key facts
- Fuego volcano erupted in Guatemala, prompting evacuations.
- About 1,700 people remained in shelters as of Tuesday.
- Alert level raised to red in Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango.
- Approximately 29,000 people affected by ashfall; schools closed.
- Mudflows up to 7 km long descending; next 72 hours critical.
- No structures damaged or at risk from mudflows.
- CONRED's Claudinne Ogaldes advised residents to cover water and use masks.
- Eruption began Monday morning with gas, ash, lava, and pyroclastic flows.
Entities
Institutions
- CONRED
Locations
- Guatemala
- Sacatepequez
- Escuintla
- Chimaltenango