Increased eruptive activity at Santiaguito volcano prompts safety alerts in Guatemala

The Santiaguito volcanic dome complex, part of the Santa María volcanic chain in southwestern Guatemala, is undergoing heightened eruptive activity, prompting high alert advisories from the Guatemalan National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH). 

The recent activity includes frequent weak to moderate explosions and continuous detachment of incandescent lava blocks from the Caliente Dome, posing significant risks within a 30 km (19 miles) radius.

INSIVUMEH and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (SE-CONRED) have urged surrounding municipalities to implement safety protocols. 

Local aviation authorities have also been alerted, as ash clouds from explosions reach 4.3 to 4.8 km (14 100 to 15 750 feet), posing hazards to air traffic. 

The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics has enacted air traffic precautions to manage potential interference from ash dispersion.

Current eruptive behavior at Santiaguito includes degassing events and sporadic moderate explosions, producing ash columns that rise to approximately 3.5 km (11 500 feet) above sea level and spread as far as 30 km (19 miles) to the southwest and south. 

Elevated seismicity and strong avalanches further signal intense thermal activity, with visible incandescence observed several kilometers away. INSIVUMEH warns of moderate to pyroclastic solid flow potential if dome instability worsens.

Additionally, recent rains have raised the risk of lahars—dangerous volcanic debris flows—which could disrupt transportation routes and damage infrastructure. 

These flows form when rain mobilizes loose volcanic material along the slopes of Santiaguito.

Located near Quetzaltenango, the Santiaguito complex has been active since it formed after Santa María’s 1902 eruption, with its dome-building phase ongoing since 1922. 

INSIVUMEH’s recent bulletins have restricted access within a 5 km (3 miles) radius of Santiaguito. 

Neighboring municipalities near other active volcanoes, including Fuego, Pacaya, and Acatenango, have imposed similar tourism restrictions in high-risk areas.

INSIVUMEH and SE-CONRED continue close monitoring and coordination to issue timely alerts as the activity persists.

References:

¹ Daily bulletin of volcanology – INSIVUMEH – October 27, 2024

² Santiaguito volcano (Guatemala): eruptions continue, and glowing lava blocks detach from lava dome + spectacular video of small pyroclastic flows – Volcano Discovery – October 23, 2024

³ Santa María – GVP – Accessed October 28, 2024

Harsha Borah

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