Fuego Volcano Eruption in Guatemala Eases After Evacuating Over 700 Residents

Introduction

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted dramatically, sending ash high into the atmosphere and prompting authorities to evacuate over 700 residents due to safety concerns. After approximately 30 hours of intense activity, officials have declared the eruption officially over.

Context

The eruption began on June 4, with seismology agency INSIVUMEH reporting the accumulation of a lava stream around the volcano's crater, situated around 18 km (11 miles) from Antigua Guatemala. Ash plumes reached heights of about 5 km throughout the event.

Developments

In response to the volcano's activity, the disaster agency CONRED executed preventive evacuations in the surrounding areas of Escuintla, Sacatepequez, and Chimaltenango. Families, many with small children, spent the night in nearby shelters on green camping cots.

Local resident Olga Lopez, evacuated from El Porvenir, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over material concerns.

The volcanic activity escalated from Wednesday afternoon, but according to INSIVUMEH’s midday report on Friday, the eruption was deemed over as camera footage ceased to show lava or ground pulsations, and ash levels in the atmosphere diminished.

This eruption was characterized by 30 hours of smoke plumes, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows.

Conclusion

Fuego volcano is known for its frequent eruptions, with the most significant activity recorded in June 2018. Nestled in a region abundant in volcanic activity, Guatemala's landscape includes 37 volcanoes, many of which are dormant or extinct.