Fuego Volcano in Guatemala registered increases in eruptive activity

(CBS, KYMA) - The Fuego Volcano, located between the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez, registered an increase in its eruptive activity, prompting Guatemalan authorities to declare an institutional orange alert and activate prevention protocols.

As a safety measure, some 400 people were evacuated from communities near the volcano and taken to temporary shelters in San Juan Alotenango and Escuintla.

Classes were also suspended in municipalities of Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla due to the risk of ashfall and possible volcanic activity.

Emergency responders conducted patrols during the early morning hours to urge residents to leave their homes in order to prevent a tragedy like the one that occurred in 2018, when a violent eruption of the Fuego Volcano left more than 400 dead.

Authorities are currently maintaining constant monitoring of the volcano and continue to assess its behavior to determine if it is necessary to expand prevention measures.