Guatemala: Volcán de Fuego erupts January 31-February 1

Event

Guatemala's Volcán de Fuego began a new eruptive phase on the night of Wednesday, January 31. The volcano has continued to erupt, spewing lava and ash, as of Thursday, February 1; the latter has reportedly fallen in nearby settlements. Further ash fall is expected, particularly on the western, southwestern, and northeastern sides of the volcano. No significant flight disruptions have been reported at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City as of Thursday. Schools near the volcano have closed, according to media reports on Thursday; it is unclear when classes will resume.

The Guatemalan Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) has warned that volcanic activity could increase at Volcán de Fuego in the coming hours and generate pyroclastic flows. Officials have advised individuals in the area to avoid adjacent ravines due to the threat of such volcanic flows. Transportation disruptions and evacuations are expected in neighboring areas in the event of a major eruption.

Context

The volcano - situated between the three southern departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez - previously entered an eruptive phrase in late September 2017. It has been in a state of increased activity since 2015, witnessing around 15 eruptive phases per year.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local media coverage, be prepared for further volcanic activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.