The Fuego volcano, located between the Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez regions, erupted on Monday, prompting Guatemalan authorities to declare an orange alert—the second highest emergency level.
Around 400 residents were evacuated from communities near the volcano and taken to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Schools in the immediate area were closed to mitigate the risk of ashfall and further volcanic activity.
Emergency services urged locals to leave their homes for safety. The volcano has a history of violent eruptions, notably in 2018 when an explosive eruption left hundreds dead.
Fuego sits just 16 km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a popular tourist destination known for its colonial architecture. The mountain also attracts hikers, making visitor safety a major concern during this heightened eruption phase.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to stay alert for further instructions.
