Guatemala declares nationwide orange alert over Fuego volcano eruption

MEXICO CITY - Guatemala's disaster reduction agency on Monday evening declared a nationwide orange alert as eruptive activity at the Fuego volcano continued to intensify.

The National Coordinating Agency for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) said the volcano was emitting large amounts of gas, ash and lava fragments, while pyroclastic flows were moving toward the Seca and Ceniza ravines on its southwestern flank.

Authorities began evacuating two villages near the volcano, which is located 35 km from Guatemala City, the capital.

CONRED said ash columns reached 5,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level. The conditions were expected to persist for the next 24 hours.

Residents were urged to stay away from ravines and other high-risk areas, prepare 72-hour emergency supplies, follow official instructions and evacuate voluntarily if necessary.