Guatemala: Volcán de Fuego activity dissipates Oct. 13 after Oct. 12 eruption

Event

Volcanic activity has mostly dissipated at the Volcán de Fuego as of Sunday, October 14, following an eruption which began on the morning (local time) of Friday, October 12. Some 62 people evacuated the area and a section of a nearby highway was temporarily closed due to the eruption, with ashfall reported in multiple local communities. Officials have said that the eruption mostly ended by Saturday, October 13, though further weak to moderate volcanic explosions have been recorded at the volcano as of Sunday morning. Despite the apparent windup of the eruption, further volcanic activity cannot be ruled out at the Volcán de Fuego over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Volcán de Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in Latin America, has been in a state of increased activity since 2015, with some 15 eruptive phases per year. The June 3 eruption was the most intense in decades, leaving over 150 people dead and more than 250 others missing. A total of 32 volcanoes are present in Guatemala, including three that show constant signs of activity: Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito.

Advice

Individuals present in Guatemala are advised to monitor developments to 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.