Fuego Volcano Erupts, Sending Lava into the Air, Evacuations Ordered

At least two villages on the slopes of Fuego, Guatemala’s most active volcano, have been evacuated after a sudden eruption that spurred spattering lava and ash into the sky. The eruption began on Monday, and pyroclastic currents flowed down the volcano’s south‑eastern slope into early Tuesday, according to the national monitoring agency, CONRED.

CONRED released a nationwide orange alert, its second‑highest warning level, urging residents to stay away from the vents and to close windows and doors. Schools near the volcano were closed while the eruption continued to churn ash clouds that could travel far.

The stratovolcano sits 16 km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts many tourists. It has long attracted hikers, but the current activity has forced authorities to caution anyone on or near its slopes.

In 2018 a deadly eruption claimed more than 200 lives after pyroclastic flows raced down the Las Lajas ravine. This latest burst is a stark reminder of Fuego’s volatile history and the need for prepared and responsive communities.