Guatemala's Fuego Volcano Erupts, Authorities Warn: 'The Next 72 Hours Are Critical'

Guatemala's Fuego Volcano erupted, with about 1,700 people in shelters after evacuations. Authorities raised alert to red in three departments, with about 29,000 affected by ash. The next 72 hours are deemed critical due to mudflows up to 7 km long. No damage to buildings has been reported.

Fuego Volcano, one of the most active in Central America, erupted in Guatemala. About 1,700 people are in shelters after being evacuated from their homes, and authorities have told them not to return until the situation stabilizes. The national emergency agency CONRED raised the alert level to red in the departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango, where about 29,000 people are affected by falling volcanic ash. Schools in the area remain closed. Authorities warned that the next 72 hours will be critical, as mudflows and volcanic debris up to seven kilometers long continue to flow down the mountain's slopes. Expected rains could increase the risk of additional mudflows. For now, the flows have not reached populated areas, and no damage to buildings or immediate danger has been reported. The agency's secretary general, Claudine Ogaldes, called on residents to cover water reservoirs and use masks. The eruption began on Monday morning, with columns of gas and ash, lava, and pyroclastic flows. Among the evacuees are about 250 residents from the town of El Porvenir and the village of Las Lajitas. Route 14 was closed, and the Ministry of Education suspended classes. Fuego is remembered for a deadly eruption in June 2018 that killed hundreds.