Huge Volcano Eruption Triggers Emergency Evacuations

A powerful volcano in Guatemala sent fountains of glowing lava shooting into the sky this week, forcing residents to flee nearby villages as authorities warned the eruption could become even more dangerous.

The Fuego volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, began spewing lava and thick clouds of ash on Monday.

By early Tuesday, deadly pyroclastic currents — fast-moving avalanches of superheated gas, ash and jagged volcanic rock — were still racing down the volcano’s southeastern slope, according to Guatemala’s volcano monitoring agency.

At least two villages located on Fuego’s slopes were evacuated as emergency officials scrambled to protect residents living in the danger zone.

Guatemala’s disaster management agency, Conred, issued a nationwide orange alert, the country’s second-highest warning level. Officials cautioned that the ongoing eruption could trigger additional pyroclastic flows and massive ash clouds capable of blanketing surrounding communities.

Residents were urged to keep their doors and windows shut to prevent ash from entering their homes. Classes were also canceled at schools near the volcano.

Fuego sits just 10 miles west of Antigua, one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the world with its cobblestone streets and historic colonial architecture.

The towering stratovolcano has also become a popular destination for hikers seeking a close-up view of its frequent eruptions.

Authorities are now warning tourists and residents to stay away from the volcano’s slopes and other high-risk areas as conditions remain unpredictable.

Fuego has a deadly history.

More than 200 people were killed during a catastrophic eruption in 2018, when scorching pyroclastic flows tore through communities near the volcano. Many victims were trapped as the fast-moving wall of ash, gas and debris thundered through the Las Lajas ravine.

Emergency officials are continuing to monitor the latest eruption as nearby communities brace for the possibility of further evacuations.