A nationwide ‘danger’ alert has been declared in Guatemala after a powerful eruption of Fuego, the country’s most active volcano, prompted authorities to evacuate two nearby villages. There are warnings that the volcano is entering a more explosive phase; one disaster agency urged residents to leave immediately if instructed or if their lives appeared at risk. Towering ash clouds rose around six kilometres into the sky as lava flowed down the volcano’s slopes, creating hazardous conditions for surrounding communities. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Guatemala regularly experiences volcanic activity, and Fuego has repeatedly forced evacuations in recent years. An eruption in 2025 displaced hundreds of people, while a devastating eruption in 2018 buried entire villages beneath ash and volcanic debris, killing at least 194 people and leaving 234 others missing. Authorities continue closely monitoring conditions as the threat remains significant.