Eruption at Fuego Intensifies - Over 30,000 Evacuated | Wired Science |

The ash plume from Fuego in Guatemala seen on September 13, 2012 from the INSIVUMEH webcam. Image: Courtesy of INSIVUMEH.

I mentioned earlier this week the renewed activity at Fuego in Guatamala. Now it seems that the eruption is becoming more intense, although the news reports make what exactly is occurring unclear. However, video taken today of the activity shows an impressive ash plume and pyroclastic flows from Fuego. FoxNews is reporting that lava flows have moved down at least 2 km from the summit, which by itself isn't going to be a significant threat to local residents. However, it does appear that these lava flows are being accompanied by ash production — possibly from small collapses of volcanic material near the crater or coeval strombolian explosions. It does appear that ash and lapilli are falling close to the volcano to depths of a few centimeter and this is likely what has prompted the evacuation of over 33,000 people from near Fuego to shelters and emergency centers.

The NASA Earth Observatory posted a new image (below) from today that shows the large plume spreading to the west of the volcano, and GOES animation shows the plume expanding over the region this afternoon. Also in the image is Guatemala City, close enough to be reached by the ash plume if the winds were to shift to the east. The updating image from this afternoon of Fuego from INSIVUMEH is stunning (see above), with a strong ash plume and pyroclastic flows. This is the second large eruption from Fuego this year – in May, we saw an impressive 5 km ash plume, accompanied by lava flows and pyroclastic flows, so this activity looks like a return to this style of activity.

{Special thanks to Rob Simmon and David Pyle for links in this post.}