Guatemala volcano eruption sends lava spewing into the air

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Monday, sending lava and ash skyward and prompting the evacuation of at least two villages on its slopes. Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, began spewing lava and ash that day. Pyroclastic currents—rivers of gas, volcanic ash and stone fragments—continued to travel down the volcano’s south‑eastern slope early on Tuesday, the authorities bureau which monitors its activity said. The Disaster absorption bureau Conred issued a nationwide orangish alert, the second‑highest level, and warned residents to stay prepared because further eruptions could generate additional pyroclastic flows and billowing ash clouds. Conred urged people to keep windows and doors closed and announced that lessons have been cancelled in schools near the volcano. Situated just 16 km (10 mi) west of Antigua, a city favored by tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial‑era architecture, Fuego has also grown popular with hikers. Conred warned both visitors and locals to avoid approaching or remaining in hazardous zones, especially on the volcano’s flanks. More than 200 people lost their lives when Fuego erupted in 2018, many overcome by the fast‑moving pyroclastic surges that raced down the Las Lajas ravine.