Weather Alert – U. S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador – (November 20, 2018)
Location: Escuintla, Chimaltenango, Sacatepequez, Guatemala
Event: On Sunday, November 18, Fuego Volcano erupted for the fifth time in 2018. The new eruption has generated a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter in the direction of Barranca Seca and Santa Teresa.
Strong explosions have generated ashes up to height of 17,060 feet. The following areas currently report ash fall: Panimache I and II, Santa Sofia, Sangre de Cristo, Finca Palo Verde, towards northeast. There are also reports from Alotenango and Antigua Guatemala; and ash may reach Guatemala City.
The Guatemalan governmental agency for natural disasters, CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional Para la Reducción de Desastres), is working with local authorities in the evacuation of residents in the closest areas, including El Zapote, and Yepocapa. CONRED has declared a red alert for Escuintla. If you are traveling to Antigua Guatemala, please consider this information as you formulate your travel plans.
Actions to Take:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for updates
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador
Telephone: 503-2501-2999 (24 hour phone line)
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City
Tel. (502) 2326-4000
Amcitsguatemala@state.gov
https://gt.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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