Fuego volcano (Guatemala): increased explosive activity culminated in pyroclastic flows, new lava flow

Pumice-and-ash flows from Fuego volcano today (image: gustavo chigna/twiter)

Pumice-and-ash flows from Fuego volcano today (image: gustavo chigna/twiter)

An intense effusive activity at the volcano began in the night of 2 July.

A new lava flow started to descend towards the Ceniza chute reaching length of at least 1000 m. Preceded the eruption, a continuing and abundant degassing lasted minutes to hours from the summit vent.

The situation got worsened as the explosive activity has been picking up at the crater today, resulting in pyroclastic flows at about 6 km distance from the summit descending along the Ceniza drainage and most likely seems to pass into nearby chutes such as Trinidad ravine. Collapsing parts of flows have lifted ash plumes (so-called phoenix clouds) reaching 5 km height. It came suddenly with no detected precursor.

Fine volcanic ash continues to cover surfaces in the communities nearby ravines such as Panimaché I y II, Morelia, Santa Sofia, Yucales, Palo Verde, El Porvenir, La Rochela, Guadalupe, El Zapote.

The elevated activity at the volcano may generate new lava flows and violent ash-laden eruptions including ongoing pyroclastic flows. People are advised to avoid mentioned drainages above.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología volcano activity update 4 July 2022

Pyroclastic flow and phoenix clouds above Fuego volcano (image: INSIVUMEH)

Pyroclastic flow and phoenix clouds above Fuego volcano (image: INSIVUMEH)