Urgent Evacuations as Guatemala's Volcano of Fire Erupts

Guatemala's Volcano of Fire is erupting, forcing authorities to evacuate nearly 300 families and warning about the potential risk to 30,000 others. The volcano, one of Central America's most active, stands 12,300 feet high. Its last eruption was in June 2023, previously claiming lives in 2018.

Guatemala's infamous Volcano of Fire has erupted anew, prompting the urgent evacuation of close to 300 families from its immediate surroundings. Officials are cautioning that nearly 30,000 more residents in the region might face significant risk.

The eruption commenced overnight, and while there have been no immediate reports of casualties, experts remain on high alert. The towering 12,300-foot structure is noted as one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, with its most recent eruption occurring in June 2023.

A tragic eruption in 2018 resulted in 194 fatalities and left 234 individuals missing. Located 33 miles from Guatemala City, the Volcano of Fire's current activity is classified as having weak to moderate flow, although authorities expect it to strengthen, according to an early Monday statement from the national disaster agency.

(With inputs from agencies.)