Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Monday morning, August 4th, 2026, intensifying by nightfall with lava flows and ash plumes rising about six kilometers (four miles) into the air. In response, Guatemalan authorities raised the emergency alert to the country’s second-highest level and began evacuating two villages near the volcano, located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital, Guatemala City.
Guatemala’s Institute of Volcanology warned that the volcano was moving towards a more notable phase, with ash plumes exceeding 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and ashfall affecting nearby communities. The agency also cautioned about hot volcanic debris flows descending Fuego’s slopes, posing the greatest risk to communities on the western and southern flanks.
Fuego is Central America’s most active volcano and part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Previous eruptions have led to significant evacuations, including over 500 people last year and around 1,200 in 2023. The volcano’s deadliest recent eruption occurred in 2018, when volcanic material flows killed 215 people, left a similar number missing, and devastated a nearby village.
Officials continue monitoring the situation closely as they manage evacuations and assess risks to surrounding communities.
Loading comments.