Volcano erupts: Danger level raised to orange
An eruption at Fuego, an active volcano in Guatemala, has prompted authorities to raise the alert level and urgently evacuate local residents.
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A new eruption has occurred at the Fuego Volcano, located in the Central American country of Guatemala and known as "one of the world's most active volcanoes." As lava flows from the volcano's crater spread over a wide area, large columns of ash and smoke reached the sky, causing concern in the region.
The rapid increase in the intensity of the eruption led to the activation of an orange alert level across the country. This alert represents the second-highest risk status in Guatemala's disaster management protocols. Evacuation procedures have been accelerated for thousands of people living around the Fuego Volcano; residents in the area have been moved to safe zones.
Rising at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range, west of the tourist city of Antigua about 16 kilometers away, Fuego is frequently known for small-scale eruptions, though major eruptions occur a few times a year. With this latest event, the volcano has experienced its ninth major eruption since 2015 and its third in the last four years.
During the last major eruption seen at the Fuego Volcano in 2023, nearly 1,700 people were evacuated. Furthermore, during the eruption that occurred in 2018 and caused widespread destruction in the region, lava and pyroclastic flows destroyed hundreds of homes, and 215 people lost their lives.
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and volcanic activity closely following the new developments, while maintaining warnings for citizens. It was noted that the risk in the region persists and that new evacuation measures may be on the agenda in the coming hours.