20 Nov 2018

Thousands flee as Guatemala's Fuego volcano violently erupts

5:47 am on 20 November 2018

Nearly 4,000 people have been evacuated from areas around Guatemala's Fuego volcano, which has begun violently erupting.

Guatemalan authorities on Monday declared a red alert after the Fuego volcano erupted again, forcing almost 4,000 residents to flee.

Guatemalan authorities on Monday declared a red alert after the Fuego volcano erupted again, forcing almost 4,000 residents to flee. Photo: AFP

The volcano has been spewing out dangerous flows of fast-moving clouds of hot ash, lava and gas and people have been taking refuge in emergency shelters.

Residents of several communities nearby the erupting Fuego volcano, arrive at a temporary shelter in Escuintl.

Residents of several communities nearby the erupting Fuego volcano, arrive at a temporary shelter in Escuintl. Photo: AFP

The eruption is the fifth so far this year and seismologists are expecting more dangerous flows of hot ash and lava.

In June, explosive flows from Fuego killed more than 190 people.