Guatemala orders evacuation of two villages as Fuego volcano erupts violently
Authorities in Guatemala have evacuated about 250 residents from El Porvenir and Las Lajitas after a sudden eruption of the Fuego volcano intensified on Monday.
A sudden eruption of the Fuego volcano in southern Guatemala prompted officials to move residents from the villages of El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, affecting an estimated 250 people. Claudinne Ogaldes of CONRED confirmed that the volcano’s activity started on Monday morning and escalated, generating large ash clouds, lava fountains reaching 200-300 meters, and rapid pyroclastic flows. The Guatemalan Seismology, Vulcanology, Weather and Water Institute reported an increase in the eruption’s explosiveness, leading the agency to issue an orange alert.
In response, National Route 14 was closed and the Education Ministry suspended schooling in nearby communities. The eruption recalls the deadly June 2018 event that destroyed a village and killed hundreds, underscoring the volcano’s reputation as one of the country’s most active.
Why it matters
The evacuation highlights ongoing volcanic risk in Guatemala, threatening lives, transport routes and local schools.
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