Fuego volcano in Guatemala spews more ash and mud, 1,700 evacuated

Guatemala's disaster management agency has escalated the danger alert to its highest level for three municipalities surrounding the Fuego volcano, one of Central America's most active volcanic systems. The volcano began erupting on Monday, expelling gas, ash, lava, and pyroclastic flows down its slopes, with activity continuing into Tuesday through additional emissions of mud and ash. The alert elevation affects the municipalities of Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango, where approximately 29,000 residents face ashfall impacts. Roughly 1,700 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters, and authorities have indicated that evacuations will remain in effect until conditions stabilize. Mudflows extending up to 7 kilometers in length continue descending from the volcano. Officials have identified the next 72 hours as particularly critical, as incoming rainfall is expected to substantially increase the risk of additional volcanic mudflows. Authorities have advised residents in the red-alert zones to cover water storage containers and utilize face masks for protection against ash, despite the fact that mudflows have not yet reached populated areas and no structural damage has been reported. A major transportation corridor, National Route 14, has been closed due to proximity to the volcano. The education ministry has suspended classes in nearby communities. Guatemala's geographic position on the Pacific Ring of Fire subjects the nation to frequent volcanic and seismic activity. Fuego specifically has prompted mass evacuations multiple times in recent years. A 2023 eruption displaced approximately 1,200 residents, while a 2022 event forced more than 500 people into shelters. The deadliest recorded eruption occurred in 2018, when superheated lava flows buried two villages and resulted in 194 confirmed deaths and 234 individuals missing and presumed dead.