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A significant eruption has occurred at the Fuego volcano in Guatemala, prompting emergency measures that have led to the evacuation of almost 300 families. Authorities have issued warnings to an additional 30,000 residents in surrounding areas who may face risks from the volcanic activity.
The eruption began overnight, releasing a large plume of ash into the atmosphere on March 10, 2025. In response, local authorities have closed schools in the affected region and restricted access to a critical roadway that connects nearby communities. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.
Early Monday morning, nearly a thousand individuals evacuated from the vicinity of the Fuego volcano, a known active site that poses significant risks due to its proximity to Guatemala City, located just 33 miles away. The volcano, whose name means “fire” in Spanish, has been a focal point for civil protection efforts in the region.
According to Guatemala’s Conred disaster center, the volcanic activity has resulted in the generation of “pyroclastic flows,” consisting of hot gas, ash, and rock material cascading down the sides of the volcano. While the intensity has been described as weak to moderate, experts anticipate that it may escalate.
Claudinne Ugalde, secretary of the disaster agency, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating that approximately 30,000 individuals in three local jurisdictions are at risk, and efforts are underway to ensure their safety through evacuations or encouraging self-evacuations.
One of the primary hazards associated with this volcanic activity is lahar—mudflows consisting of ash, rock, and debris—capable of overwhelming entire communities.
Isaac GarcÃa, a 43-year-old resident of El Porvenir, expressed concern for both his family and community as he recalled the devastating eruption of 2018. He highlighted the urgency in his decision to move to a shelter in San Juan Alotenango with his family, motivated by fears of a repeat disaster. With previous experiences still fresh in memory, he appeared at the shelter wearing a mask to shield against the falling ash.
Fuego rises 12,300 feet above sea level and is renowned for its former eruptions, historically occurring every four to five years. The last major eruption took place in June 2023, triggering another evacuation of over 1,000 people.
Notably, the catastrophic eruption in 2018 resulted in 194 confirmed deaths and left 234 individuals unaccounted for, underscoring the destructive power of this volcano. In addition to Fuego, Guatemala is home to two other active volcanoes: Santiaguito in the western part of the country and Pacaya in the south.
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