Guatemala orders evacuations after Fuego volcano eruption

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Monday, prompting the National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) to issue an orange alert for the surrounding area. The eruption sent a plume of ash and steam several kilometers into the sky and triggered the evacuation of residents living near the crater, the same zone that experienced the deadly 2018 eruption which claimed more than 190 lives. Authorities mobilized emergency teams, set up temporary shelters, and warned communities to avoid low‑lying areas prone to lahars and ashfall.

Officials continue to monitor the volcano’s activity as the orange alert remains in effect. Residents have been advised to stay informed through official channels and to follow evacuation orders if conditions worsen. The response underscores ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of another large‑scale disaster in a region still recovering from the 2018 tragedy.