Fuego volcano eruption prompts red alert and evacuations in Guatemala

Guatemala’s National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) raised the alert level for the Fuego volcano to red after a sudden eruption on Monday. The event produced violent lava fountains and pyroclastic flows that descended the volcano’s flanks, prompting immediate evacuation measures.

Eight villages in the surrounding municipalities were cleared, with 659 residents relocated to safer areas. Authorities cited the intensity of the eruption and the potential for further hazardous activity as reasons for the rapid response. Emergency teams were deployed to monitor the volcano’s activity and provide support to displaced residents.

CENAPRED has urged residents in the broader region to remain vigilant as the volcano continues to show signs of unrest. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether additional evacuations or changes to the alert status are necessary.