Guatemala: Authorities issue new evacuation orders near Volcán de Fuego June 5 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, June 5, Guatemala’s national disaster organization CONRED issued new evacuation orders for some communities near the Volcán de Fuego. Authorities have ordered residents in La Reyna, El Rodeo, Cañaveral I y IV, Hunnapu, Magnolia, and Restaurante Sarita to evacuate due to recent pyroclastic flows. National Route 14 was also closed on June 5. Additional evacuations are possible in the coming days.

The Volcán de Fuego erupted on the evening of Sunday, June 3 (local time), leaving at least 69 people dead and hundreds more injured, notably in the villages of El Rodeo, Alotenango, and San Miguel Los Lotes. The death toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Volcanic ash covered nearby villages as well as the capital, Guatemala City, located 40 km (25 mi) to the northeast of the volcano. More than 3000 people have been evacuated from affected areas and an estimated 1.7 million people have been affected by the eruption. Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport (GUA) - temporarily closed due to the eruption - reopened on the afternoon of Monday, June 4.

Context

The volcano - situated on the border between the three southern departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez - previously entered an eruptive phrase in January and February 2018. It has been in a state of increased activity since 2015, witnessing around 15 eruptive phases per year. The June 3 eruption was the most intense in more than 40 years.

Advice

Individuals present in Guatemala are advised to confirm flight and other travel reservations, closely monitor the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ashfall in affected areas.