Fuego eruption prompts evacuations as Guatemala raises alert level
Authorities have evacuated communities and warned travellers to avoid high-risk areas as volcanic activity intensifies near Antigua
Guatemalan authorities have raised the country’s volcanic alert level after the Fuego volcano entered a more intense eruptive phase, prompting precautionary evacuations and renewed warnings for residents and travellers near one of Central America’s most visited destinations.
A nationwide orange alert – the second-highest emergency level – was declared after the volcano began ejecting lava, ash and fast-moving pyroclastic flows. Around 400 people were evacuated from the communities of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, while schools in nearby areas were closed as a precaution.
Emergency officials said pyroclastic flows had descended multiple ravines on the volcano’s slopes and warned that activity could intensify further. Ash clouds could also spread up to 100km from the volcano, with authorities advising residents to keep doors and windows closed and avoid affected areas.
The eruption has implications for international travellers. Fuego lies around 16km west of Antigua, the UNESCO World Heritage city that is one of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations, while the volcano itself is a well-known attraction for hikers and adventure tourists.
Authorities have urged visitors not to approach the volcano or remain in areas at risk from pyroclastic flows or ashfall, while roads close to the volcano have been closed as emergency monitoring continues.
The situation highlights the need to monitor rapidly evolving natural hazards that can disrupt itineraries, prompt evacuations and generate requests for emergency advice, accommodation assistance, and travel rearrangements.
Fuego has a long history of destructive eruptions. In 2018, more than 200 people were killed when powerful pyroclastic flows overwhelmed nearby communities, making it one of Guatemala’s deadliest natural disasters in recent decades.
Authorities continue to monitor volcanic activity closely as emergency teams assess whether additional evacuations or protective measures will be required.