Authorities On Alert As ‘Volcano of Fire’ Erupts In Guatemala

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Authorities are on high alert as Guatemala’s Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) started erupting on Thursday.

The volcano is continuing to display intense activity.

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RT reports:

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The volcano, considered one of the most active in Central America, is being monitored by CONRED, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala, and INSIVUMEH, the National Institute for Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology.

Residents from the surrounding areas of Escuintla, Sacatepequez and Chimaltenango have been alerted to the possibility of a major eruption, according to Prensa Libre.

On Friday, INSIVUMEH recommended raising the alert in the area, stating eruptive activity remained strong and is expected to increase in the coming hours.

#LRN Volcán de Fuego ha continuado con actividad eruptiva. INSIVUMEH recomienda elevar estado de alerta en la zona. pic.twitter.com/shd4lPMn6J

— La Red (@Lared1061) July 29, 2016

Some incredible photos and videos were captured by those in the area showing the glowing volcano in all its glory.

Erupción estromboliana del #VolcanDeFuego
Créditos: Eduardo Pérez Montepeque.
Via @SoyFlordeMaria / @chematierra pic.twitter.com/Q70bNLZBTQ

— SacatepéquezStarNews (@SacStarNews) July 29, 2016

CONRED e INSIVUMEH mantienen monitoreo ante la actividad eruptiva efusiva que registra el volcán de fuego. pic.twitter.com/QjGcDsBRTc

— Radio SONORA 96.9 FM (@sonora969) July 29, 2016

This latest eruptive phase is classed as ‘strombolian activity,’ meaning it produces frequent eruptions, and began at 5.45am local time on Thursday.

The ash column reached 4,800 meters above sea level, and a lava flow of more than 2km (1.2 miles) was reported.

The volcanic explosions are causing rumblings, shock waves, lava flows and small pyroclastic flows, according to INSIVUMEH.