Activity at Guatemala's Fuego volcano has gradually decreased since its eruption began on Monday, but authorities are urging the public to remain cautious due to the persistent risk of volcanic mudflows, known as lahars. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) warned that rainfall from an approaching tropical wave could trigger these potentially deadly flows.
Approximately 1,700 people were evacuated from at least 18 communities on the volcano's slopes between Monday and Tuesday. While some residents have voluntarily returned to their homes, CONRED emphasized that eruptive activity continues and advised adherence to official instructions regarding preventive evacuations. No deaths or significant damage have been reported in connection with the current event.
Early Tuesday morning, the volcano spewed lava approximately 300 meters (984 feet) high, prompting red alerts, evacuations, the closure of a highway, and the suspension of classes in three departments. Live broadcasts showed intermittent ash emissions.
The Fuego volcano, one of Guatemala's most active, stands at 3,768 meters (12,300 feet) and is located in the southern and central regions of the country, approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) from the capital, Guatemala City. It is situated between the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez.
Fuego has a history of significant eruptions. A deadly eruption on June 3, 2018, resulted in hundreds of fatalities, destroyed an entire community, and affected up to 1.7 million people. An eruption last year also necessitated preventive evacuations.