Fuego Volcano Eruption Forces 700+ Evacuations Guatemala

Guatemala's Fuego volcano has erupted, sending ash plumes up to 5 kilometers into the air and prompting authorities to evacuate over 700 people from nearby areas including Escuintla, Sacatepequez, and Chimaltenango as a precaution. The seismology agency INSIVUMEH reported a lava flow extending about 1.2 kilometers around the crater, warning of unstable accumulations that could lead to dangerous pyroclastic flows similar to the deadly 2018 eruption which killed over 200 people. The national disaster agency CONRED coordinated evacuations and the opening of shelters for displaced residents, while also temporarily closing highways and suspending classes at dozens of schools. The volcano, about 18 kilometers from Antigua Guatemala, is one of the region's most active, with Guatemala hosting 37 volcanoes, many dormant or extinct. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as volcanic activity remains heightened and further evacuations are anticipated. The ongoing crisis underscores the region's vulnerability to volcanic hazards and the importance of timely safety measures.