Fuego volcano eruption triggers evacuations

Guatemala's Fuego volcano, one of Central America's most active, erupted on Monday morning, intensifying by nightfall and prompting authorities to issue an orange alert, later raised to red for the departments of Guatemala — Sacatepéquez Department, Guatemala — Chimaltenango Department, and Guatemala — Escuintla Department. The eruption sent lava flows and ash plumes up to six kilometers into the air, forcing the evacuation of approximately 1,700 people from at least 18 communities, including Guatemala — El Porvenir and Guatemala — Las Lajitas. Firefighters transported residents to shelters in Guatemala — San Juan Alotenango and Guatemala — Escuintla Department. The Guatemala — National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology warned of hot debris flows and a potentially more explosive phase. By Wednesday, activity was gradually decreasing, but Guatemala — National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction cautioned that rainfall could trigger lahars. No deaths or damage have been reported. The education ministry suspended classes in affected municipalities, and a road to Guatemala was temporarily closed. The eruption is reminiscent of the deadly 2018 event that killed 215 people.