Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts: authorities call for evacuation of 30,000 people

Guatemala's Fuego volcano, considered by seismologists to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is currently erupting. Authorities in the Central American state have already evacuated nearly 300 families but warn that another 30,000 people in the area, located some 60 kilometres from the capital, could be at risk. The eruption began Sunday night and so far no casualties have been reported. Authorities have closed all schools in the vicinity and a key road connecting several communities in the area. Experts say the greatest danger from the volcano is not the eruption itself but the lahars, a 'tsunami' of ash, rock, mud and debris that can bury entire villages. At 3,763 metres high, the last eruption of 'Chi'gag' - which would translate from the native Cachiquel into Spanish as "the place where the fire is" - was in June 2023. A previous eruption in 2018 killed 194 people and left 234 others missing. The Fuego volcano has only been inactive for 50 days, according to the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh). The flow of volcanic material is moderate but is expected to increase, Guatemala's disaster agency said early this morning. Airlines are also operating with restrictions because ash spewing from 'Chi'gag' can reach up to 7,000 metres, according to Insivumeh.<br/>