The Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted on Monday, releasing lava and ash that have led to the evacuation of at least two villages on its slopes.
One of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, Fuego continues to produce pyroclastic currents—fast-moving rivers of gas, ash, and rock fragments—flowing down its south-eastern flank as of early Tuesday, according to the government monitoring agency.
The national disaster management agency, Conred, has issued an orange alert, the second highest level, warning residents to prepare for potential further eruptions and ash clouds. It has advised the public to keep windows and doors closed and has suspended classes in schools located near the volcano.
Located approximately 16 kilometres west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its colonial architecture and popular with hikers and tourists, Fuego poses a significant risk to nearby communities and visitors. Conred has urged everyone to avoid the volcano's slopes and other hazardous areas.
In 2018, a deadly eruption of Fuego claimed over 200 lives, many of whom were caught in rapid pyroclastic flows descending the Las Lajas ravine.
