Pyroclastic flows surge down Fuego volcano, Guatemala
An effusive eruption began at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano at 03:00 UTC on March 10, 2025, followed by weak to moderate pyroclastic flows descending through the Las Lajas, El Jute, Seca, and Ceniza ravines.
Image credit: CONRED
An effusive eruption began at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano on March 9 at 21:00 LT (03:00 UTC on March 10), producing 300 m (980 feet) high lava fountains, incandescent avalanches, and a gas and ash column. In addition, weak to moderate pyroclastic flows descended through the Las Lajas, El Jute, Seca, and Ceniza ravines by March 10. Ash dispersed toward the northwest, west, and southwest regions.
The latest reports indicate that volcanic ash has reached an altitude of 7 km (22 900 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.), spreading as far as 50 km (31 miles) in the northwest, west, and southwest directions. The affected municipalities include Alotenango, Escuintla, Siquinalá, San Pedro Yepocapa, and Acatenango.
The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) has warned that pyroclastic flows may intensify, increasing the risk of heavy ashfall in surrounding areas. Current estimates indicate that pyroclastic flows in the Seca and Ceniza ravines could extend between 5 km (3.1 miles) and 7 km (4.3 miles).
Given the possibility of stronger pyroclastic flows, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to emergency protocols.
In response to the intensified volcanic activity, the Executive Secretariat of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) has declared an Institutional Orange Alert. This alert activates preventive measures under the National Response Plan (PNR) and the Institutional Response Plan (PIR), mobilizing resources and personnel to mitigate risks.
Emergency teams are pre-positioned in high-risk areas to assist in potential evacuations and provide updated information. CONRED has been coordinating with local leaders to ensure the timely dissemination of alerts and preparedness guidelines.
The current eruptive period, which began in January 2002, has been ongoing with fluctuating levels of activity. The most recent explosive phase before this event was recorded between February 5 and February 11, during which INSIVUMEH documented low-level gas and steam emissions rising 300 m (984 feet) above the summit.
Fuego volcano, one of Central America’s most active stratovolcanoes, is located in the Central America Volcanic Arc. The volcano, with a summit elevation of 3 763 m (12 346 feet), has a history of frequent eruptions dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Historical eruptions have involved basaltic and andesitic lava flows, producing ashfall and pyroclastic flows.
References:
1 Fuego – GVP – Accessed on March 10, 2025
2 PYROCLASTICAL FLOWS DESCENT IN FOUR RAVINES OF THE VOLCANO OF FUEGO – CONRED – March 10, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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