A volcanic eruption in Guatemala has forced authorities to take immediate action, affecting communities just 33 miles (53 km) from the nation's capital. The 12,300-foot (3,763-meter) high volcano, renowned as one of the most active in Central America, began spewing gas and ash into the sky on Monday. The eruption, which started overnight, has prompted significant safety measures.
Guatemala's disaster agency has already evacuated nearly 300 families, and authorities have expressed concerns about the potential risk to an additional 30,000 people in surrounding areas. The flow of volcanic material is currently weak to moderate, but officials anticipate an increase, necessitating vigilance among residents and authorities alike.
The eruption has led to the closure of schools and a key road that connects nearby communities. These measures aim to ensure public safety as the situation unfolds. The volcano last erupted in June 2023, and a previous eruption in 2018 resulted in tragic consequences, with 194 people killed and 234 reported missing.
Isaac García, a resident of El Porvenir, took prompt action by evacuating his family to a shelter in San Juan Alotenango. His family includes his mother, wife, three children, and other relatives. Highlighting the community's concern, García remarked on the volcano's activity:
“We were a little worried because a few years ago the volcano became active.” – Isaac García
Authorities have established a shelter in San Juan Alotenango for those displaced by the eruption. Claudinne Ugalde emphasized the importance of evacuating potentially affected residents:
“Some 30,000 people more or less are at risk in these three (jurisdictions) and we are trying to have them evacuate or self-evacuate.” – Claudinne Ugalde
