Generated

Claudinne Ogaldes confirms evacuations as Guatemala's Fuego volcano enters a critical explosive phase

Guatemala's Fuego volcano has entered a critical explosive phase, prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,700 people from nearby communities. Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of the disaster managing agency CONRED, confirmed that the eruption began on Monday and has produced significant plumes of ash, gas, and lava. While no structures have been damaged yet, the volcano has sent mudflows and pyroclastic flows down its slopes, leading to red alerts in three municipalities: Sacatepequez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango. Authorities have closed National Route 14 and suspended classes in nearby towns to manage the situation. Ogaldes advised residents to use face masks and cover water deposits to protect against the widespread ashfall, which has affected nearly 29,000 people. The Fuego volcano is one of Central America's most active, having caused significant eruptions in recent years, including a 2018 event that left hundreds of people dead or missing. Officials will continue to monitor the volcano's activity for the next 72 hours.

Sources