Volcano Pacaya News: Guatemala Remains On ‘Orange’ Alert Level

Guatemala remains on alert after Volcan Pacaya showed increasing signs of activity. The National Disaster Reduction Commission (CONRED) declared an alert level of 'orange' as a means of ensuring the safety of residents in the south-eastern part of the country. The volcano is still showing medium signs of eruption, with strong lava flows and explosions with pyroclastic material reaching 150 feet. There are concerns that winds may carry debris much further afield.

Alejandro Maldonado, who heads CONRED, revealed that lava was flowing at a distance of between 3 and 5 kilometers. People living in the area directly adjacent to the volcano have been asked to evacuate. Residents in the towns of Villa Canales, El Chupadero and Pacaya have relocated to San Vicente Pacaya, a town at a safer distance. An alert level of 'orange' means that all emergency systems should remain on high alert, while seismic and volcanic activity will be carefully monitored.

CONRED has asked that residents stay up to speed on information provided by authorities and avoid spreading rumors which may cause unnecessary panic. Meanwhile, the National Insstitute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meterology and Hydrology registered an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale in the province of Retalhuleu, however there have been no injuries reported.