Μake us preferred on Google Guatemalan authorities ordered the preventive evacuation of two communities near the Fuego volcano after the volcano entered a more intense eruptive phase, releasing ash and sending pyroclastic flows down its slopes.
The evacuations were ordered late Monday in El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, both located in the municipality of San Juan Alotenango.
Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupts, spewing ash after authorities raised the alert level to orange, as seen from Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Guatemala, August 4, 2026. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin
Disaster management officials said the eruption generated pyroclastic flows — fast-moving mixtures of volcanic gas, ash and rock — that traveled down five ravines.
Authorities warned on Tuesday that the flows could move farther if volcanic activity increases. They also said ash clouds could affect areas up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) west and northwest of the volcano.
People distribute food at the Municipal Sports Center, a temporary shelter set up after authorities raised the alert level due to increased activity at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano, in Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Guatemala, August 4, 2026. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin
Red Cross members prepare to assist people at the Municipal Sports Center, a temporary shelter set up after authorities raised the alert level due to increased activity at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano, in Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Guatemala, August 4, 2026. REUTERS/Cristina Chiquin
Orange Alert Declared
Guatemala’s authorities declared an “orange alert” on Tuesday and increased monitoring of the volcano.
The Fuego volcano is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Guatemala City and is one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
A major eruption in 2018 buried an entire community and killed more than 200 people.
