• Guatemala's Fuego volcano has erupted, triggering evacuations of local villages.
• A nationwide orange alert has been issued, the second-highest alert level.
• Authorities warn of potential pyroclastic flows and ash clouds affecting nearby communities.
• The eruption follows a history of Fuego's deadly activity, including a significant eruption in 2018.

Guatemala has declared a nationwide orange (danger) alert following a significant eruption of the Fuego volcano, prompting the immediate evacuation of two villages situated about 35 kilometers from Guatemala City. The eruption, which began on Monday and intensified by nightfall, produced lava and ash plumes rising approximately six kilometers high. The country's disaster coordination agency, Conred, cautioned that the volcano's activity could generate further pyroclastic flows, necessitating precautionary measures for local residents, including ensuring windows and doors are kept closed, according to indiatimes and BBC.

The eruption of Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, has resulted in rising temperatures of volcanic debris and significant ash fall threatening nearby communities. Earlier events have shown Fuego’s potential for danger, such as the deadly eruption of 2018 that resulted in over 200 fatalities. Conred has reported that this current eruption is leading to pyroclastic currents flowing down Fuego's southeast slope, sparking school closures and route blockages, including the closure of national highway RN-14, which serves as access to nearby areas, according to indiatimes and CBS News.

Guatemala's government has also advised residents to prepare emergency backpacks and to facilitate self-evacuations if necessary, as conditions could deteriorate rapidly. The Institute of Volcanology has indicated the volcano may be entering a "more explosive phase," further endangering those living in proximity to Fuego. Authorities have continually highlighted the risks posed by living close to the volcano, underscoring the need for vigilance and readiness in facing such natural disasters, according to indiatimes, BBC, and CBS News.