Families living on the slopes of Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala were forced to evacuate their homes following a series of volcanic eruptions [1].
These evacuations highlight the persistent vulnerability of rural communities in Guatemala, where explosive volcanic activity can suddenly displace thousands and threaten local infrastructure.
Authorities issued an orange alert after the volcano began expelling ash and gases [1, 3]. The activity forced 1,699 people to leave their residences to seek safety in surrounding areas [1]. The evacuations primarily affected those in the San Juan Alotenango zone and nearby communities [1, 3].
Reports on the timing of these events show multiple periods of instability during 2025. One account said that communities returned to their homes on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, one day after an eruption [2]. However, other reports said that explosive activity increased again on Thursday, June 5, 2025, triggering further evacuations [3].
The displaced residents faced uncertainty regarding the safety of their properties and whether they would be able to return to their homes. The volcanic activity created hazardous conditions through the release of toxic gases, and the accumulation of ash across the landscape [1, 3].
Local emergency responses focused on moving families away from the immediate danger zone of the volcano's slopes. The repeated nature of these events in 2025 underscores the volatility of the region and the ongoing risk to those living in the shadow of the peak [2, 3].
“1,699 people to leave their residences to seek safety”
The repeated evacuations in 2025 demonstrate that Volcán de Fuego remains in a state of high instability. The discrepancy in eruption dates suggests a pattern of intermittent activity rather than a single event, complicating long-term resettlement efforts for the residents of San Juan Alotenango.
