In Guatemala, the Volcano of Fire has erupted, prompting the evacuation of nearly 300 families and raising concerns for around 30,000 people in the area. The eruption began overnight with no reported casualties so far. This 12,300-foot high volcano is among the most active in Central America, with its last eruption occurring in June 2023. Gas and ash were seen shooting into the sky on Monday, leading to the closure of schools and a key road in the region. Authorities, including Claudinne Ugalde of the disaster agency, are urging people to evacuate or self-evacuate to avoid potential dangers, particularly from lahars – a hazardous mix of ash, rock, mud, and debris that could engulf communities. The memory of a deadly 2018 eruption that killed 194 people and left 234 missing has prompted residents like Isaac García to take precautionary measures and seek refuge in shelters. The flow of volcanic material is currently moderate, but authorities anticipate it may intensify. The volcano is located 33 miles from the capital, Guatemala City. For more updates on this developing situation, visit https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america.
