In brief
On Monday the Fuego volcano increased its activity, leading Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert—the second‑highest emergency level. Around 400 people were evacuated from communities in Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez and moved to temporary shelters in Alotenango and the city of Escuintla. Schools close to the volcano closed and emergency services urged residents to leave their homes. The strato‑volcano lies only 16km from the historic city of Antigua, a popular tourist destination. Backup links cover details on past eruptions and current lava activity.
Tremor of fire beneath the Andes
The Fuego volcano, perched between the municipalities of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, kicked up a flare‑up of activity on Monday, prompting Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert—the second highest level of emergency.
On the ground, roughly 400 residents were rounded up from villages in the volcano’s shadow and taken to temporary shelters in Alotenango and in the city of Escuintla. The local schools, positioned nearest to the hazardous fumarole, were shut for the day to protect children from ashfall and possible future blasts.
Emergency services urged citizens throughout the region to vacate their homes for their safety. The Fuego volcano famously erupted violently in 2018, leaving hundreds dead during the “red zones” for the surrounding communities.
From its summit, Fuego is just 16 km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Town renowned for its colonial architecture and a favourite of international tourists. The active stratovolcano also has a growing number of hikers, who come to stalk the volcano’s dramatic craters.
For more details, see the up‑to‑date news coverage: Guatemala volcano eruption sends lava spewing into the air.
