Guatemala's Fuego Volcano Erupts, Evacuates Hundreds, Risks Thousands

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted, prompting the evacuation of nearly 300 families and warnings for an estimated 30,000 individuals at risk due to the potential for destructive lahars, or flows of ash and debris. The eruption, which began Sunday night, has not resulted in any reported casualties so far, but authorities have closed schools and a vital road in the area. Residents in communities near the volcano were quickly moved to temporary shelters as they recalled the devastating 2018 eruption that killed 215 people. The volcanic activity is currently classified as moderate but is expected to intensify, with ash clouds reaching elevations of up to 7,000 meters. Experts highlight that the greatest danger lies not in the eruption itself but in the secondary effects, particularly the lahars that can overwhelm nearby villages. The last eruption prior to this event was in June 2023, and the Fuego volcano remains one of the most active in the region.