The Guatemala volcano, which caused the deaths of over 200 people in an eruption seven years ago, has erupted again. Local authorities have issued an emergency evacuation order for residents.
According to Yonhap News on June 5 (local time), Guatemala’s disaster agency (CONRED) detected emissions of toxic gases and volcanic ash from the Fuego volcano and issued a "danger" alert. The "danger" alert is the second highest level (level 3) on a four-level scale. According to the agency’s website, this level is issued "when a powerful eruption is expected from the volcano."
An evacuation order has been issued for the Guatemala volcano that has resumed erupting. Photo by AP Yonhap News
According to reports, signs of an eruption at the 3,763-meter-high Fuego volcano were detected by a 24-hour monitoring system starting the previous night. The local daily La Prensa Libre reported that white ash had already fallen like snow on villages around the volcano. Guatemala’s disaster agency announced in a press release that volcanic debris had spread up to 7 kilometers along a canyon on this day.
Guatemalan authorities stated in notices and videos distributed through social media and their website that residents are advised to evacuate with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Local media reported that all schools in the area have been closed and roads have also been restricted.
The Fuego volcano, located about 50 kilometers southwest of the capital Guatemala City, had its most powerful eruption in over 40 years in 2018.
At that time, more than 200 residents of nearby villages were killed and over 230 people went missing.
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