Guatemala remained on alert after evacuating villages during an eruption of the Fuego volcano, one of Central America’s most active. About 1,700 people remained in shelters with the evacuations to stay in place until conditions improve, according to the country’s disaster agency CONRED.
Evacuations and Warnings
Officials raised the alert level to red in Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, where about 29,000 people are affected by ashfall and schools remain closed. Authorities warned the next 72 hours were critical, as mudflows up to 7 kilometers long continue descending from the volcano, with incoming rain expected to increase the risk of additional volcanic mudflows.
Mudflows have not reached villages and no structures reported damaged or at risk. Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of CONRED, recommended residents in the three municipalities cover their water deposits and use face masks as protection from ash.
The eruption started Monday morning, with clouds of gas and ash rising above the volcano as lava and pyroclastic flows rolled down the slopes. More mud and ash were emitted Tuesday.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
