Intense volcanic activity continues at Fuego volcano, Guatemala

Explosive eruptions continued at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano in recent days, producing ash plumes up to 4.8 km (15 750 feet) and incandescent material rising 100–300 m (330–980 feet) above the crater.

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano exhibited sustained eruptive activity on May 10, according to a bulletin from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH).

The volcano produced five to eight weak to moderate explosions per hour, with ash-and-gas columns rising to altitudes of 4 500–4 800 m (14 760–15 750 feet) and drifting up to 30 km (18 miles) west and southwest.

The explosions were accompanied by rumbling sounds, shock waves, and acoustic emissions lasting 1–2 minutes. Nighttime observations showed incandescent material ejected 100–300 m (330–980 feet) above the crater.

The Fuego Volcano Observatory (OVFGO) documented partial collapses along the crater’s perimeter, which triggered small avalanches of volcanic debris.

Ashfall affected several downwind communities, including Panimache I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofía, El Porvenir, and La Asunción.

Authorities warned residents and tourists that rainfall could generate lahars along ravines descending from the volcano.

Between April 27 and 28, six to eight weak explosions per hour were observed. Ash plumes rose up to 800 m (2 620 feet) above the summit and drifted 15 km (9.3 miles) southwest. Incandescent material was ejected 100–200 m (330–650 feet) above the crater, and minor avalanches reached vegetated areas on the volcano’s flanks.

Fuego is one of Central America’s most active stratovolcanoes, located approximately 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Guatemala City. It has a long record of frequent explosive eruptions since the early 16^th century. Its current activity consists primarily of Strombolian-style explosions, ashfall, and occasional lava and pyroclastic flows.

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