Fuego volcano erupts in Guatemala, prompting evacuations

Guatemala’s National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) raised the alert level on Thursday after the Fuego volcano erupted, sending a plume of ash several kilometers into the atmosphere. The eruption prompted the immediate evacuation of residents from the villages of El Rodeo, La Laguna and San Miguel, where authorities reported ashfall thick enough to damage crops and disrupt daily activities. Local officials deployed emergency crews to distribute masks and clean‑up supplies, while the Ministry of Health warned of respiratory risks for people exposed to the ash cloud.

The heightened alert follows a pattern of increased activity at Fuego, one of Central America’s most volatile volcanoes, which has produced frequent eruptions in recent years. Aviation authorities have issued temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of the volcano, and the government has pledged ongoing monitoring and support for displaced families. INSIVUMEH will continue to assess the situation and update the alert level as conditions evolve, urging residents to remain prepared for further ash emissions or possible lava flows.