ESCUINTLA — 2018 · Major Tragedy
The Fuego Volcano Eruption
On 3 June 2018 Guatemala's Volcán de Fuego produced its most powerful eruption since 1974. Activity that built during the morning intensified in the afternoon, and pyroclastic flows racing down the ravines buried the communities of San Miguel Los Lotes and El Rodeo in Escuintla under hot ash and rock. Many victims were found in or near their homes, as the flows moved too fast to escape. Official records counted at least 190 dead and hundreds missing, while local residents believed the true toll was far higher. The disaster agency CONRED was criticised for ordering mandatory evacuations late despite warnings. The president declared three days of national mourning.
- Date
- 2018
- Place
- San Miguel Los Lotes, Guatemala, Escuintla, GT
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 14.4250, -90.8280 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 3 June 2018, morningEruptive activity increased at Fuego.
- 3 June 2018, afternoonPyroclastic flows struck San Miguel Los Lotes and El Rodeo.
- June 2018Three days of mourning were declared; the late evacuation was criticised.
- July 2018At least 190 dead and 256 missing were recorded.
Sources
- Wikipedia — 2018 Volcán de Fuego eruption en.wikipedia.org ↗
- EarthSky — Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts in fury earthsky.org ↗
- ReliefWeb — Guatemala: Volcanic Eruption (Fuego Volcano) 12-Month Update reliefweb.int ↗
- Wikipedia
- EarthSky
- IFRC / ReliefWeb
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.