Authorities in Guatemala began evacuating residents near the Volcano of Fire on Thursday following a fresh eruption that sent ash and hot gas into the air.
Juan Laureano, spokesperson for the National Disaster Reduction Coordinator, reported that at least 594 people were evacuated from five communities across Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepequez. He noted that the number of evacuees could increase depending on the volcano’s ongoing activity.
Among those evacuated was 28-year-old Wilver Guerra from El Porvenir, now staying at a shelter in Chimaltenango. “At first it seemed normal, just some fire in the morning. But it’s better to evacuate early,” he said.
Authorities also closed a nearby highway and suspended classes in 39 schools as a precaution.
Standing at 12,300 feet (3,763 meters), the Volcano of Fire is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, located about 33 miles (53 kilometers) from the capital, Guatemala City. A major eruption in 2018 claimed 194 lives and left 234 people missing.