Guatemala Volcano Activity Decreases While Mudflow Risk Remains
Activity at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano that began Monday is gradually decreasing, but authorities warn of mudflow risk from expected heavy rainfall and urge residents to heed evacuation recommendations. The Guatemala volcano situation remains under close watch as eruptive activity persists even with reduced intensity.
Current Volcanic Activity Status
Activity at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano that began Monday is gradually decreasing, authorities said on Wednesday. [1] Live broadcasts show periods of complete clarity interspersed with ash emissions. [1] Early on Tuesday morning the volcano spewed lava that reached a height of about 300m. [1] From the 3763-metre-high volcano lava flows continue while ash clouds rise approximately five to six kilometres. [2] The Guatemala volcano’s eruptive activity continues despite the easing intensity. [1] Guatemalan Volcanology Institute specialists said the eruption intensity is gradually decreasing yet it remains difficult to forecast behaviour in the coming days because volcanoes have been known to regain strength soon after an initial eruption. [2] Lava flows have not reached any populated areas. [2]
Evacuation and Displacement Figures
Guatemala's Fuego volcano emits ash plumes during ongoing eruptive activity. — Source: gdelt About 1,700 people have been evacuated from at least 18 communities on the slopes of Fuego after the eruption started on Monday. [1] More than 1700 Guatemalans whose homes are at the foot of Fuego mountain heeded authorities’ recommendations and moved to shelter centres located in cities farther from the dangerous mountain. [2] Conred confirmed some people who were evacuated between Monday and Tuesday had returned voluntarily to their homes. [1] Conred recommendations are not binding unlike in other countries where an evacuation order means everyone leaves. [2] A large portion of people do not want to evacuate because they fear their homes could be looted during this time. [2] It is estimated that at least 30 000 people live in the most threatened zones on the slopes of Fuego. [2]
Hazards and Weather-Related Risks
Conred warned that rainfall from a tropical wave from the east could trigger potentially deadly volcanic mudflows known as lahars. [1] In the coming days heavy rains are forecast in the region which could cause significant landslides and mudflows. [2] Three departments on the mountain slopes have a red alert in effect according to the national disaster prevention service Conred. [2] No deaths or damage have been reported so far. [1] Officials note that eruptive activity continues and it is recommended to follow authorities’ instructions regarding preventive evacuation. [1]
Geographic and Historical Context
{IMAGE_3} Fuego volcano one of Guatemala’s most active has an elevation of 3763m and is considered a stratovolcano formed by layers of hard lava ash and rock. [1] It is located between the departments of Escuintla Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez in the southern and central regions of the country and is 53km from Guatemala’s capital. [1] The Guatemala volcano is located less than 50 kilometres from the capital. [2] A volcanic eruption on June 3 2018 killed hundreds of people wiped out an entire community and affected up to 1.7-million people. [1] An eruption last year spurred preventive evacuations. [1] The 2018 eruption of Fuego claimed more than 400 lives. [2]
Official Response and Public Safety Measures
The national co-ordinator for disaster reduction Conred urged the population to remain cautious. [1] The Defence Ministry has emphasised that fears of looting have no basis because army units together with additional police forces have already been sent to the affected region to maintain order. [2] The international airport remains open yet pilots must adjust courses to avoid ash clouds. [2] Highway closures and class suspensions occurred in three departments after the red alerts were issued. [1] Conred executive secretary Claudine Ogaldes noted that teams visit each house to encourage families to evacuate. [2]
Outlook and Official Recommendations
Guatemalan Volcanology Institute specialists said it is difficult to forecast what will happen in the coming days. [2] Conred said the eruptive activity continues and it is recommended to follow authorities’ instructions regarding preventive evacuation. [1] Authorities continue to urge caution despite no reported deaths or damage. [1]
What to watch next: rainfall from the incoming tropical wave could trigger lahars while eruptive activity at the Guatemala volcano may regain strength soon after the initial phase.
