Volcano Fuego in Guatemala erupted violently, prompting emergency evacuations and leaving dozens to hundreds of people dead or missing [1, 3].
The event highlights the extreme vulnerability of communities living near active volcanoes, where fast-moving pyroclastic flows can devastate multiple valleys within hours.
The eruption began on the evening of Monday, June 3, 2024 [2]. The intense eruptive phase lasted for about 30 hours before the activity calmed on June 7, 2024 [2]. During this period, the volcano spewed ash, hot gases, and pyroclastic flows—a rapid mixture of volcanic gases, ash, and rocks [1, 2].
Guatemalan authorities, including the National Disaster Management Agency, reported that these flows traveled through five valleys [1]. To mitigate the risk to human life, officials ordered preventive evacuations of nearby communities, with more than 700 people moved to safety [2].
Casualty reports vary across sources. According to the Anadolu Agency, 113 people died and 332 are missing [1]. However, Albawaba reported lower figures, stating that 75 people died and 192 remain missing [3].
Officials from the National Disaster Management Agency said the eruption led to volcanic flows, which are a fast-moving mixture of volcanic gases, ash, and rocks, across five valleys [1]. The eruption affected two zones near the volcano and five downstream valleys [1, 4].
Emergency responders continued search and rescue operations as the volcano entered a less active state. The event caused significant damage to property and infrastructure in the affected zones [1, 4].
“The eruption led to volcanic flows, which are a fast-moving mixture of volcanic gases, ash, and rocks, across five valleys.”
The disparity in casualty figures between reporting agencies underscores the difficulty of conducting accurate censuses in the immediate aftermath of volcanic disasters. Because pyroclastic flows move at high speeds and bury entire areas in ash and rock, locating victims and confirming deaths often takes weeks of forensic recovery, leaving a gap between initial estimates and final tolls.
