Guatemalan Authorities Evacuate 1,000 People Due to Fuego Volcano Eruption

Volcano erupting. Photo by USGS on UnSplash.

Evacuation Efforts

Guatemalan authorities evacuated about 1,000 people on Monday due to the eruption of the Fuego volcano, Central America’s most active volcano.

The volcano, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Guatemala City, sent out lava, ash, and rocks. People remembered the deadly 2018 eruption, and many quickly left their homes to seek safety.

Manuel Cobox, a 46-year-old resident, said, “We heard the rumblings and then a strong eruption.” He evacuated with his wife and three daughters.

Around 125 families, totaling about 900 people, were evacuated from the community of El Porvenir. Another community, Las Lajitas, was also evacuated, according to Juan Laureano from Guatemala’s disaster coordination agency, Conred.

Evacuees traveled by bus to temporary shelters in town halls or stayed with friends or relatives.

Affected Areas and Risk

Approximately 30,000 people were considered “at risk” and advised to evacuate if necessary, according to Conred’s chief, Claudinne Ogaldes.

Guatemala lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In 2018, an eruption of Fuego volcano killed 215 people and left about the same number missing. The village of San Miguel Los Lotes was destroyed when lava flowed down the volcano’s slopes.

Cobox, who works on a pig farm, said people did not expect such a severe disaster at the time, leading to the tragedy.

Previous Eruptions and Current Situation

Amanda Santos, a 58-year-old housekeeper, said hearing firefighters’ sirens reminded her of the past eruption. “That’s why we’re afraid. Many people died,” she explained.

In 2023, another eruption from Fuego volcano caused about 1,200 people to evacuate.

On Sunday, authorities issued an alert and began preventive actions. The government closed local schools and shut a main road that connects the south of Guatemala to Antigua, a popular tourist city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conred officials are monitoring pyroclastic flows—dangerous, fast-moving mixtures of ash, gas, and rocks coming down the volcano.

The state-run Volcanology Institute advised caution for air travel because of the ash cloud. They later noted the eruption had weakened but warned it was not over yet.

Source

Source: Agence France Presse.

Conclusion

The eruption of Fuego volcano has caused significant disruption and concern for the people of Guatemala. The evacuation efforts and preventive measures taken by the authorities aim to minimize the risk of casualties and damage. However, the situation remains volatile, and the public is advised to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current situation with the Fuego volcano eruption?

A: The eruption has weakened but is not over yet. Authorities are monitoring the situation and advising caution for air travel due to the ash cloud.

Q: How many people have been evacuated?

A: Approximately 1,000 people have been evacuated, with around 125 families from the community of El Porvenir and another community, Las Lajitas, also evacuated.

Q: What is the risk to the surrounding areas?

A: Approximately 30,000 people are considered “at risk” and have been advised to evacuate if necessary. The Pacific “Ring of Fire” is an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.