Guatemala declares orange alert following volcanic eruption

Authorities in Guatemala declared a nationwide orange alert on Monday, August 3, 2026, following a violent eruption of the Fuego volcano. Located 35 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City, the 3,763-meter-tall peak began erupting Monday morning, with activity intensifying throughout the night, releasing lava and massive clouds of ash and gas.

In response to the escalating danger, the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) initiated the evacuation of two nearby settlements. The government has suspended school classes in the affected area and closed a major road connecting the southern region to the historic city of Antigua. Fuego is considered the most active volcano in Central America, and its recent eruptions have frequently necessitated mass evacuations in surrounding communities.

Emergency services remain in a state of heightened readiness to monitor seismic activity and assess further risks. The situation is described as fluid, with authorities prepared to respond immediately if the volcanic activity escalates further.