What Happened to Volcanoes of Guatemala: Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito?

Guatemala is a country characterized by its intense volcanic activity, being a prominent part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Among its 37 volcanoes, Volcán de Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito are the most active and frequently pose significant threats to surrounding populations. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) and the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) are the primary agencies responsible for monitoring these geological giants and coordinating emergency responses.

Volcán de Fuego, meaning 'Volcano of Fire,' is arguably Central America's most active volcano, known for its near-constant low-level activity punctuated by more powerful eruptions. A particularly devastating event occurred on June 3, 2018, when a major eruption generated large pyroclastic flows that buried villages like San Miguel Los Lotes and El Rodeo, resulting in 215 confirmed deaths and approximately 200 missing persons. This tragedy highlighted the extreme dangers of pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving currents of superheated gas, ash, and rock. Fuego has continued to be highly active, with mass evacuations in 2023 affecting around 1,200 people and in June 2025, when approximately 800 residents were moved to safety.

The most recent and critical development for Fuego began on August 3, 2026, intensifying into August 4 and 5. The volcano entered a paroxysmal phase, producing pyroclastic density currents that traveled 5 to 7 kilometers down ravines, accompanied by lava fountains reaching 200 to 300 meters above the crater. Ash columns soared to heights of 5,000 to 7,000 meters above sea level, dispersing ashfall up to 130 kilometers to the west and southwest. In response, CONRED declared an Institutional Orange Alert nationwide, which was subsequently raised to a Red Alert in the departments of Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Escuintla, directly impacting 1.6 million people and exposing about 29,000 to ashfall. Over 1,700 people were preventively evacuated from communities such as El Porvenir and Las Lajitas, with authorities warning that the next 72 hours were critical due to the risk of additional mudflows exacerbated by expected rain. Roads, including National Route 14, were closed, and schools in affected areas suspended classes.

Volcán Pacaya, another active stratovolcano, is known for its frequent Strombolian activity. After being dormant for over 70 years, it began erupting vigorously in 1961 and has been consistently active since. A notable eruption in May 2010 caused significant ashfall in Guatemala City and led to the closure of La Aurora International Airport. More recently, Pacaya showed increased unrest in early 2026, with INSIVUMEH reporting continued gas and vapor plumes in March 2026. As of May 2026, Pacaya is under a Yellow Alert, indicating mild fumarolic activity and degassing from its MacKenney crater, allowing guided day hikes to continue.

Santiaguito, a lava dome complex that grew within the crater of the larger Santa María volcano after its catastrophic 1902 eruption, has been continuously active since 1922. Its activity typically involves small explosions, incandescent rockfalls, lava extrusion, and periodic pyroclastic flows. In February 2026, Santiaguito exhibited ongoing explosive eruptions, block avalanches, and short pyroclastic flows, with ash plumes reaching 4,000 meters. A new eruption was reported on April 22, 2026, producing ash columns, toxic gases, and pyroclastic material. Most recently, on July 12, 2026, a dramatic pyroclastic flow descended the slopes of the Santiaguito complex due to a lava dome collapse, a regular but dangerous part of its ongoing activity. These volcanoes collectively underscore Guatemala's dynamic geological landscape and the continuous need for vigilance and preparedness among its residents.