Activity at Guatemala's Fuego volcano, which prompted widespread evacuations starting Monday morning, is gradually decreasing, authorities announced Wednesday. However, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) advised the public to remain vigilant due to the risk of deadly volcanic mudflows, known as lahars, which can be triggered by rainfall from an approaching tropical wave.
CONRED confirmed that some of the approximately 1,700 people evacuated from at least 18 communities on the volcano's slopes have voluntarily returned to their homes. Despite the reduction in eruptive activity, CONRED emphasized that the volcano remains active and recommended continued adherence to official instructions regarding preventive evacuations.
No deaths or damage have been reported in connection with the current eruption. Live feeds showed intermittent ash emissions. Early Tuesday morning, lava spewed from the volcano reached approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in height, leading to red alerts, the closure of a highway, and the suspension of classes in three departments.
Fuego volcano, one of Guatemala's most active, stands at 3,768 meters (12,300 feet). Located between the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez, it is situated 53 kilometers (33 miles) from the nation's capital. The volcano is classified as a stratovolcano, characterized by its tall, cone shape formed by layers of hardened lava, ash, and rock.
This is not the first recent eruption to affect the region. A significant eruption on June 3, 2018, resulted in hundreds of fatalities, destroyed an entire community, and impacted up to 1.7 million people. Another eruption last year also led to preventive evacuations.