Guatemala's Volcano Fuego Erupts Again As Evacuations Continue Amid Rising Alert

Guatemala remains on high alert as the Volcano Fuego eruption continues to send ash and volcanic material into the atmosphere, prompting authorities to evacuate thousands of residents from affected areas. The country's disaster management agency, Conred, said around 1,700 people have been moved to temporary shelters as officials monitor the ongoing volcanic activity and assess risks to nearby communities. Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, began erupting on August 3, leading authorities to issue an orange alert, which is the second-highest level in Guatemala's emergency response system.

The eruption has since continued for more than 24 hours, with authorities warning residents in vulnerable areas to remain prepared for further evacuations if conditions worsen. According to Guatemala's National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH), the intensity of the eruption showed signs of easing slightly, but officials stressed that the danger remains. The volcano continues to release ash, creating risks for communities located near its slopes and surrounding regions. The emergency alert level was raised to red on Wednesday in several districts as ashfall affected large parts of the surrounding area.

Conred said a red alert is currently active in Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, where approximately 29,000 people have been impacted by ash deposits. Schools in the affected regions have also been closed as a precautionary measure to protect students and staff from possible health hazards linked to volcanic ash. Emergency authorities have urged residents living near high-risk zones to cooperate with evacuation measures. Claudine Ogaldes, director of emergency services, appealed to families in vulnerable locations to move to shelters voluntarily rather than waiting for conditions to deteriorate.

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"In those spaces, you will find care, support and safe conditions while the volcanic activity continues," Ogaldes wrote in a message shared on X, encouraging residents to prioritise safety and make use of available emergency facilities. Volcano Fuego, located southwest of Guatemala City, has a history of frequent eruptions and is among the country's most closely monitored volcanoes. Its previous major eruption in 2018 killed hundreds of people and forced large-scale evacuations, making authorities particularly cautious whenever significant activity is detected.

Officials are continuing to monitor the volcano for changes in lava flows, ash emissions and explosive activity. While the latest reports suggest a slight reduction in intensity, experts have warned that volcanic behaviour can change rapidly, requiring communities to remain alert. The ongoing eruption has disrupted daily life in several Guatemalan districts, with authorities focusing on evacuation efforts, shelter management and public safety measures. As monitoring continues, residents in affected areas have been advised to follow official instructions and avoid returning to high-risk zones until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.

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