Hundreds of people living on the slopes of Guatemala's Fuego volcano have evacuated after a major eruption sent lava and ash nearly four miles into the sky, prompting authorities to issue a high-level alert.
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Key facts
- Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted on Monday morning, according to the Guardian.
- Hundreds of residents living on the volcano's slopes evacuated their homes.
- The eruption sent lava and plumes of ash nearly four miles into the sky.
- Conditions intensified by nightfall, prompting the country's second-most severe alert warning.
- Fuego is described as Central America's most active volcano.
Hundreds of people living on the slopes of Guatemala’s Fuego volcano have evacuated their homes after a major eruption spewed lava and plumes of ash, according to the Guardian.
The volcano, described as Central America’s most active, erupted on Monday morning. Conditions intensified by nightfall, prompting authorities to issue the country’s second-most severe alert warning.
The eruption sent lava and ash nearly four miles into the sky, the Guardian reported.
As conditions worsened through the day, Guatemalan authorities acted to move residents living closest to the volcano out of harm’s way. The alert level was raised to the second-highest tier in the country’s warning system.
The scale of the eruption underscores the ongoing risk posed to communities settled on and around Fuego’s slopes, where volcanic activity is a recurring hazard.
Why it matters
Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, and eruptions can threaten the lives and homes of the many people living nearby. Rapid evacuations and elevated alert levels are critical to protecting vulnerable communities on the volcano's slopes.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Fuego volcano?
The Fuego volcano is in Guatemala and is described by the Guardian as Central America's most active volcano.
How far did the ash and lava reach?
According to the Guardian, the eruption sent lava and plumes of ash nearly four miles into the sky.
What alert level did Guatemala issue?
Authorities issued the country's second-most severe alert warning as conditions intensified by nightfall.
Timeline
- Guatemala volcano eruption prompts evacuation of hundreds of people
The Guardian World: Eruption of the Fuego volcano sends lava and ash nearly four miles into the sky as country declares alert warning Hundreds of people living on the slopes of Guatemala ’s Fuego volcano have evacuated their homes after a huge eruption spewed lava and plumes of ash. Central America’