Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire erupts and forces evacuations

The Volcan de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, blows a thick cloud of ash seen from Palin, Guatemala (Moises Castillo/AP)

Authorities in Guatemala have evacuated nearly 300 families while warning that another 30,000 people in the area could be at risk after the Volcan de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, erupted.

The eruption started overnight. There was no immediate report of casualties. The 12,300-foot (3,763-metre) high volcano is one of the most active in Central America. It last erupted in June 2023.