08 Mar 2022 | 03:34 PM UTC
Guatemala: Volcanic activity continuing at Fuego Volcano March 8 /update 1
Volcanic activity continuing at Fuego Volcano, Guatemala, March 8. Pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and lava produced. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
The Guatemalan Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Insivumeh) has reported that the recent effusive eruptive episode at Fuego Volcano, located approximately 40 km (25 miles) west-southwest of Guatemala City, has ended early March 8. However, INSUVIMEH has warned that whilst the volcano has returned to low effusive activity levels, further lava flows and expulsions of ash that were witnessed during the recent eruption, cannot be ruled out.
Observations indicate that the pyroclastic flows are moving over the Ceniza and Las Lajas ravines. The eruption produced an ash cloud that rose around 4,900 meters (16,000 ft), and ashfall has been reported in the municipalities of Chicacao, Patulul, Mazatenango, Rio Bravo, San Juan Bautista, Santa Barbara, Suchitepequez
Authorities preventatively evacuated around 150 people from Panimache I in San Pedro Yepocapa Municipality, Chimaltenango Department March 7. An evacuation shelter is located at the Sports Center and Municipal Hall of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla. A few hours later, around 290 people were evacuated from the village of Morelia to the same location.
Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, further lava and pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. The Fuego Volcano will likely continue to emit frequent gas and ash clouds in the coming days.
Transport
Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibilities could be significantly reduced. In the past, officials have closed portions of National Route 14 near the volcano as a precaution due to the threat of debris flows. Authorities could temporarily suspend flights out of La Aurora International Airport (GUA) if a significant eruption occurs. Such a stoppage is most likely if southwesterly winds occur during the eruption, which could shift the ash cloud over the Guatemala City metropolitan area.
Advice
Avoid the vicinity of the volcano. Follow official instructions. Monitor local media for updates. Confirm regional flights. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating near Fuego Volcano. If an eruption occurs, seek updated information on road conditions before driving; drive cautiously in areas affected by ash due to reduced visibility. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
