The Fuego Volcano, located between the Guatemalan departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, remains under close surveillance. by local and national authorities in view of its eruptive behavior. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) and the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) publish frequent updates to report on changes detected in the volcano's activity.
This colossus is recognized as the most active volcano in Central America. and one of the most attention-grabbing worldwide due to the frequency and intensity of its eruptions. Due to its location in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the incidence of these types of phenomena is relatively high, necessitating well-established prevention and response protocols.
Current status of the Fuego volcano
According to the most recent releases, The volcano mainly has white and blue fumaroles coming from the crater, which disperse at low altitudes in a westerly and southwesterly direction, depending on the wind. During the night and early morning, incandescent flashes have been reported from the crater, although no significant explosions or pyroclastic material ejections have been recorded so far.
The seismic network installed in the surrounding area detects degassing pulses and internal movement, which does not rule out the possibility of weak to moderate explosions at any time. Due to cloudiness and intermittent rain in the volcanic area, visibility is variable, and atmospheric conditions may favor the formation of lahars (mudflows) due to the softening of accumulated volcanic material.
Risks associated with volcanic activity
The Fuego volcano explosions have the potential to throw columns of ash several kilometers high, which disperse downwind and impact surrounding communities. Fine particles can affect air quality, contaminate water reservoirs, and damage roofs and crops.
Other hazards identified include Sudden ash fall in villages such as San Marcos and Loma Linda Palajunoj, and the possibility of pyroclastic flows in scenarios of more intense activity. Historical experience, including the devastating June 2018 eruption that left hundreds of victims and extensive property damage, has led authorities to maintain evacuation protocols and alerts.
INSIVUMEH also warns that the accumulation of volcanic sediments from previous eruptions can be removed by heavy rains, generating destructive lahars. For this reason, the population is urged to avoid ravines and riverbanks near the volcano during the rainy season.
Measures and recommendations for the population
The responsible institutions maintain constant communication to ensure the safety of the communities. surrounding the Fuego volcano and the nearby Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes, which are also active. It is essential that residents pay attention to the bulletins and follow official instructions.
- Ante ash falls, the use of masks and covering water containers is recommended.
- After ash deposition, clean roofs and surfaces to prevent dangerous accumulations.
- Stay informed through official sources (CONRED, INSIVUMEH).
- In emergency situations, follow the local evacuation plan and go to the nearest shelter.
- In case of imminent risk, prioritize self-evacuation and notify the authorities by dialing 119.
Authorities are collaborating with response teams and coordinating the deployment of shelters and the distribution of humanitarian aid as the situation demands. The activation and deactivation of these protocols depend on scientific information and risks detected in real time.
Geological significance and historical background
Guatemala stands out for its high density of volcanoes, with at least 32 officially recognized structures and more than 300 eruptive foci identified by different organizations. Fuego Volcano stands out not only for its frequent activity, but also for the impact its eruptions have had over time.
Memories such as the 1932 eruption, which covered Antigua Guatemala and areas of neighboring countries with ash, or the 1974 eruption, which partially buried entire communities, mark the collective memory. The 2018 event remains the most tragic of contemporary times, with Hundreds of dead, missing and thousands of victimsMore recently, a 2022 eruption put nearby towns on alert again, receiving heavy ashfall and generating large-scale lava flows.
The current situation requires caution. Scientific surveillance and community preparedness play an essential role to reduce the risks of constant changes in activity at the Fuego Volcano and its nearby siblings, Pacaya and Santiaguito.
The combination of technical monitoring, institutional cooperation, effective communication, and citizen participation remains the key to addressing the challenges of living next to one of the most active volcanoes on the planet.