Guatemala on volcano alert after Fuego erupts
Authorities evacuate communities as the ‘Volcano of Fire’ spews lava and ash plumes
Guatemala remained on alert Tuesday after evacuating villages during an eruption of the Fuego volcano, one of Central America’s most active.
About 1,700 people remained in shelters with the evacuations to stay in place until conditions improve, according to the country’s disaster agency CONRED.
Officials raised the alert level to red in Sacatepequez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, where about 29,000 people are affected by ashfall and schools remain closed.
Authorities on Tuesday warned the next 72 hours were critical, as mudflows up to 7km (4.3 miles) long continue descending from the volcano, with incoming rain expected to increase the risk of additional volcanic mudflows.
Mudflows have not reached villages and no structures reported damaged or at risk. Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of CONRED, recommended residents in the three municipalities cover their water deposits and use face masks as protection from ash.
The eruption started Monday morning, with clouds of gas and ash rising above the volcano as lava and pyroclastic flows rolled down the slopes. More mud and ash were emitted Tuesday.