A state of emergency has been declared following the sudden eruption of one of Central America’s most hazardous volcanoes. Volcán de Fuego, known for its high activity levels, erupted in Guatemala on Monday, escalating throughout the day, releasing lava, ash, and smoke into the air.
Authorities reacted by issuing the country’s second-highest emergency alert and promptly evacuating residents from the affected areas. The Guatemalan disaster agency Conred announced a nationwide orange alert due to the volcano’s eruption, initiating the evacuation of two nearby villages.
A nearby tourist captured close-up footage of the eruption, showcasing the intense volcanic activity. Guatemala, situated on the Pacific’s volatile “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences seismic and volcanic events. In the past, evacuations and closures have been necessary due to volcanic activities, with Fuego erupting multiple times, including in 2023 and 2018.
Conred has reported an increase in volcanic activity, with lava flowing down the mountain’s southwest side. Volcán de Fuego, located in the Sierra Madre mountain range, west of Antigua, remains a popular tourist spot despite its continuous low-level activity. This recent eruption marks the volcano’s ninth significant event since 2015.
The eruption of Volcán de Fuego is currently being broadcast live by the disaster-spotting YouTube channel AfarTV. The authorities have confirmed the unsafe conditions in the area, emphasizing the ongoing risk posed by the active volcano.