Guatemala declared a red alert on Tuesday in Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla due to a critical explosive phase at the Fuego volcano, forcing the urgent evacuation of nearby populations, according to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred).

Conred Executive Secretary Claudinne Ogaldes clarified that the municipalities on red alert have not lost response capacity but that evacuations are urgent. She emphasized that the Conred system remains active with coordinated responses across the three departments, with all member institutions channeling aid through strategic intervention and immediate action teams.

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Insivumeh Director Edwin Rojas reported that the volcano entered a more explosive phase, with ash fall and explosions expected to continue for approximately 72 hours.

Access to the Acatenango volcano has been temporarily restricted to protect tourists, guides, and nearby communities, while the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism reiterated the prohibition on climbing the Fuego volcano. Conred ordered tourism agencies, community guides, and visitors to suspend tours to both volcanoes until further notice as monitoring continues.

AVISOS INFORMATIVOS. Erupción del volcán de Fuego continúa. pic.twitter.com/iHerZ31jcY

— CONRED (@ConredGuatemala) August 4, 2026

Five shelters currently operate in Escuintla and Sacatepéquez, housing 1,400 evacuated people who are receiving hot meals from the Ministry of Social Development, safe spaces, and comprehensive assistance. The official tally records 29,000 affected residents and 18 directly affected communities, with preliminary ash dispersal data reaching as far as Retalhuleu and affecting 618 towns, 488 schools, 65 health centers, and approximately 389,000 people at risk.

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