Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano Erupts, Prompting Village Evacuations

ISTANBUL, Aug 4 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Authorities in Guatemala have evacuated residents from at least two villages after the Fuego volcano erupted, Anadolu Ajansi reported on Tuesday, citing media reports.

Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, began spewing lava and ash on Monday, prompting authorities to introduce safety measures.

By early Tuesday, the country’s volcanic monitoring agency reported that pyroclastic flows, comprising hot gases, ash and volcanic debris, were continuing to move down the volcano’s southeastern slope, according to the BBC.

In response, Guatemala’s disaster management agency, Conred, declared a nationwide orange alert, the second highest warning level, and warned that further pyroclastic flows and large ash clouds could develop.

Residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed, while schools near the volcano suspended classes as a precaution.

Fuego lies about 16 kilometres (10 miles) west of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its colonial architecture and a popular tourist destination. The volcano is also a well-known hiking attraction.

Officials have urged residents and visitors to avoid the volcano’s slopes and other high-risk areas.

In 2018, an eruption of Fuego killed more than 200 people, many of whom died when fast-moving pyroclastic flows swept through the Las Lajas ravine.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU