Fuego Eruption Still Threatens 1,699 Evacuees as Rain Raises Lahar Risk
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Aug 5
Fuego Eruption Still Threatens 1,699 Evacuees as Rain Raises Lahar Risk
3 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Aug 5
Summary
Guatemala authorities said Fuego’s days-long eruption is easing progressively but remains dangerous, with collapsing material at the summit still able to trigger fresh pyroclastic flows.
Forecast rain is adding a new threat of lahars—fast-moving mudflows—while officials plan to monitor the volcano for about 72 hours.
At least 1,699 people have been evacuated, more than 29,000 affected by ashfall, and three regions have declared the highest red alert to push more residents into shelters.
Ash has spread as far as 120 kilometers and up to 5,000 meters above sea level, prompting an aviation alert and the closure of Route 14, though Guatemala’s main international airport remains open.
Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, killed and left hundreds missing in a 2018 eruption, underscoring why authorities are restricting access and patrolling against looting.