While authorities have cleared the return of more than 1,700 residents to villages near the 3,763-meter peak, the institute maintains that volcanic material flows and ash dispersal remain ongoing threats to local safety and aviation.
Status of the Fuego Eruption and Evacuation Efforts
The eruption, which began on Monday, reached its peak between Monday night and Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of 1,700 residents from surrounding communities. Claudinne Ogaldes, head of the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (Conred), confirmed in a press conference that the “visible decrease” in activity allowed for a safe return of the displaced population.
Did you know? Standing at 3,763 meters, it is the most active volcano in Central America, located just 35 kilometers from Guatemala City.
Long-Term Risks and Community Resilience
Despite the official end of the eruption, residents living on the volcano’s flanks face a complex reality. For many, such as 61-year-old local farmer Bernabé Marroquin, the volcanic activity is an expected part of life. He stated that the community has learned to read the volcano’s behavior, distinguishing between periods of dormancy and heightened activity.
However, the experience of others is marked by profound insecurity. Isabel Pérez, a 69-year-old resident of the El Porvenir hamlet, emphasized the psychological toll of living in the shadow of the mountain. After seeking refuge in an emergency shelter, she expressed a desire for relocation to a more secure area, highlighting the ongoing tension between ancestral land ties and physical safety in high-risk zones.
Historical Context of Volcanic Activity in Guatemala
The Fuego volcano has a documented history of catastrophic events that shape current government responses. A violent eruption on June 3, 2018, resulted in a massive lava flow that destroyed a village, leaving 215 people dead and nearly as many missing. More recently, in June 2025, approximately 800 individuals were forced to flee their homes due to similar eruptive surges. These events underscore why authorities remain cautious, even when monitoring data suggests a return to baseline activity.
Pro Tip:
For those living or traveling in volcanic regions, always monitor official updates from national disaster agencies like Conred. Ashfall can impact respiratory health and disrupt regional travel, even after lava flows have subsided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to return to the villages near Fuego?
Yes, according to Conred, the return is currently considered safe due to the visible decrease in volcanic activity. However, officials warn that secondary hazards like ash dispersion and volcanic material flows are still possible.
What are the primary threats now that the eruption has ended?
How often does Fuego erupt?
Fuego is the most active volcano in Central America and experiences significant events periodically. Significant events, such as the 2018 eruption and the 2025 evacuations, have occurred, making it a constant focus for Guatemalan disaster management agencies.
Have you or your community ever dealt with volcanic activity? Share your experiences in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on seismic and volcanic activity across the region.
Keep reading