Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire erupts, spewing ash and spurring evacuations
Associated PressMAY 27
Hundreds Evacuated in Guatemala as Fuego Volcano Erupts
Above: Security forces restrict access to National Route 14 in the department of Sacatepequez to prevent public and private vehicles from traveling through the area after Fuego Volcano erupts in Guatemala City, Guatemala on June 5, 2025. Image copyright: Luis Vargas/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The swift evacuation response demonstrates that Guatemala has improved its disaster preparedness following the tragic 2018 eruption that killed over 200 people. Authorities are acting decisively to move residents to safety before conditions worsen. The coordinated effort between national and local officials shows lessons learned from past volcanic disasters have strengthened emergency protocols.
Narrative B
Historical patterns show that volcanic eruptions in Guatemala disproportionately affect poor, Indigenous communities who lack the resources to relocate permanently from dangerous areas. The recurring evacuations highlight how poverty and inequality make rural populations particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. Colonial legacies and centuries of marginalization continue to exacerbate these volcanic tragedies.