A sudden eruption from one of Central America’s most hazardous volcanoes has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency. Volcán de Fuego, renowned for its high activity and volatility, began erupting in Guatemala on Monday morning, escalating throughout the day with the release of molten lava, ash, and smoke into the atmosphere.

Authorities swiftly responded by issuing the country’s second-highest emergency alert and initiating the evacuation of residents from the vicinity. Guatemalan disaster agency Conred announced a national orange alert due to the volcanic eruption, while evacuating two nearby villages.

The eruption of the Fuego volcano is currently being live-streamed by Guatemalan broadcaster Crelosa. Conred, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction in Guatemala, confirmed the unsafe conditions in the area earlier today.

This recent eruption marks the third major event in four years for the notoriously active Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala. Previous eruptions occurred in 2023, leading to the evacuation of approximately 1,700 individuals, and in 2018, tragically claiming the lives of 215 people as lava descended upon a nearby village.