Guatemala Volcano Erupts, Prompting Evacuations and Orange Alert

Mon Sep 14 2026 14:02:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fuego volcano's recent surge leads to an orange alert and the evacuation of around 400 people as ash threatens nearby communities.

On Monday, Fuego volcano, located between Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, intensified, prompting Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert. Roughly 400 residents were relocated to shelters in Alotenango and Escuintla city, and schools near the volcano were closed to protect children from ashfall. Emergency services urged inhabitants to leave their homes for safety. The volcano's activity, which brought hope after the 2018 deadly eruption, has once again raised concerns in the region, with Antigua and popular hiking routes also in danger.

Guatemala Volcano Erupts, Prompting Evacuations and Orange Alert

The Fuego volcano, which sits between Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez, increased its activity on Monday, leading Guatemalan authorities to issue an orange alert – the second‑highest emergency level.

Around 400 people were evacuated from towns near the volcano and moved to temporary shelters in Alotenango and Escuintla city. Schools located close by were shut down because of the risk of ash fallout and additional volcanic activity.

Emergency services urged residents to leave their homes for safety. The 2018 eruption of Fuego, a violent event, previously left hundreds dead.

Fuego lies just 16 km (10 miles) west of Antigua, a popular tourist destination celebrated for its colonial architecture, and has also become a destination for hikers, drawing attention from both locals and visitors.