What is known about the Fuego volcano in Guatemala, now active and erupting lava

Guatemala is under orange alert due to the intensification of activity at the Fuego volcano. In recent hours, strong explosions, lava ejections, ash columns exceeding 6,000 meters in height, and pyroclastic flows have been recorded.

The situation has forced authorities to evacuate nearby communities, suspend in-person classes, and close one of the main routes in the area as a preventive measure.

In light of the phenomenon's evolution, emergency agencies are maintaining permanent monitoring and warned that activity could increase at any moment.

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) declared a national orange alert, the level prior to red, after the Fuego volcano increased its eruptive activity.

According to the agency, the operation included the preventive evacuation of residents from two communities near the volcano, who were relocated to temporary shelters set up in the municipality of San Juan Alotenango while the situation continues to be monitored.

The institution urged the public to strictly follow civil protection recommendations. In a message disseminated on social media, the agency's spokesperson, Valeria Urizar, warned: "If an evacuation is ordered or conditions pose a risk to your life, apply the principle of self-evacuation".

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) reported that the volcano "is evolving towards a more explosive phase".

According to technical reports, the activity is characterized by almost continuous explosions, the ejection of incandescent material, lava fountains reaching between 100 and 200 meters above the crater, and persistent degassing.

The entity warned about the possibility of new lava flows and pyroclastic density currents, considered one of the most dangerous phenomena due to their speed and high temperature.

Specialists indicated that the main risks are concentrated in the dry, ash, and Santa Teresa ravines, where these flows of gases, ash, and rock fragments could descend.

As part of the preventive operation, the Ministry of Education of Guatemala suspended in-person classes in schools in two municipalities near the volcano to avoid exposing students and teachers to falling ash.

The Municipal Traffic Police implemented the preventive closure of National Route 14, a road connecting the southern coast of the country with the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, due to the descent of volcanic material.

Additionally, Insivumeh indicated that ash began to disperse over various communities located to the west and southwest of the volcano. Therefore, it recommended protecting water and food supplies, using masks or wet cloths to avoid inhaling particles, and only following information disseminated by official agencies.

Conred urged the public to keep ready the so-called "72-hour backpack", review the Family Response Plan, and respect any evacuation orders that may be issued if activity continues to increase.

So far, authorities have ruled out impacts on La Aurora International Airport, although they clarified that the behavior of the ash column remains under surveillance.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.