Powerful eruptions send giant boulders down the Fuego volcano, Guatemala

A powerful eruption at Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano on June 5, sent a huge boulder crashing down as part of a pyroclastic surge. This came after a series of eruptions on June 4, following a steady rise in volcanic unrest that began in late May.

Flows moved through the Las Lajas, Ceniza, and Seca ravines, traveling as far as 7 km (4.3 miles) from the crater, carrying dense ash clouds and volcanic debris with moderate to strong force.

As a result of increased activity, local authorities evacuated nearby communities.

From May 27 through June 3, Fuego volcano maintained a steady state of eruption, with near-constant activity reported by the National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH).

The volcano produced regular explosions, approximately 3 to 7 per hour, generating gas-and-ash plumes rising up to 1.1 km (3 600 feet) above the crater. The plumes drifted as far as 30 km (18.6 miles) toward the northwest, west, and southwest.

The volcano exhibited multiple explosions on June 4 following a period of increased activity that began on May 27. According to local agencies, between five and eight explosions were recorded, each accompanied by loud sounds lasting from 1 to 13 minutes.

Gas and ash columns reached up to 4 800 m (15 750 feet) above sea level, drifting west and northwest. Overnight into the early hours of June 4, incandescent material was ejected up to 150 m (492 feet) above the crater.

Pyroclastic density currents are a mixture of gases, ash, and high-temperature rock fragments that descend rapidly down the volcano’s flanks. These flows can cause death by burns and/or asphyxiation, and for this reason, it is advised not to remain in or near the volcano’s ravines, INSIVUMEH officials said.

Harsh Vardhan

My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.

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