Guatemala City (AP) — Evacuations have commenced in Guatemala as the Volcano of Fire erupted on Thursday, sending hot gas and ash high into the sky. Juan Laureano, spokesperson for the National Disaster Reduction Coordinator, reported that 594 individuals have been relocated to shelters in Chimaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepequez departments. The number of evacuees is expected to increase as the volcano remains active. One of the evacuees, 28-year-old Wilver Guerra from El Porvenir, has moved to a shelter in Chimaltenango, stating, “It’s better to evacuate on time when the volcano’s activity increases.” Authorities have closed a highway in the affected area and suspended classes at 39 schools. The 12,300-foot (3,763-meter) high volcano is known as one of the most active in Central America, located 33 miles (53 km) from Guatemala’s capital. A previous eruption in 2018 resulted in the loss of 194 lives and left 234 individuals missing.
