Thursday, Sep 20, 2012

Fuego continues its typical activity at moderate levels, with sporadic explosions ejecting bombs to 200 m and ash plumes up to 1 km height. Shock waves and rumblings accompany the larger explosions, and incandescent material falling back generates small avalanches of 500-800 m length on the steep upper slopes. [more]

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012

In a special bulletin on 13 September, INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego increased, starting the sixth eruption in 2012. Lava flows traveled 600 m down the Taniluyá drainage (SSW) and the Las Lajas drainage (SE), producing block avalanches that reached vegetated areas. Strombolian explosions generated ash plumes that rose 3 km above the crater and drifted SW and 12 km W. Ash fell in multiple areas, including the villages of Panimaché (8 km SW), Morelia (8 km SW), Santa Sofia (12 km SE), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Palo Verde, San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), Santiago Atitlan (42 km NW), San Lucas Toliman (32 km NW), Mazatenango (68 km W), Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu (86 km W), and Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa (23 km SW). Explosions produced degassing sounds and rumbling noises, accompanied by shock waves that vibrated structures on the SW flank. Pyroclastic flows traveled down the Las Lajas and Ceniza (SSW) drainages, producing ash plumes. CONRED increased the Alert Level to Orange (third highest on a four-color scale). About 10,600 people evacuated from nearby communities including Yepocapa, San Juan Alotenango (9 km ENE), Sacatepéquez. Evacuation shelters were set up in Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa. ... [more]

There have been weak to moderate explosions generating ash plumes rising 800-1000 m accompanied by shock waves. Glowing bombs reached a height of 200 m above the crater. The explosions triggered moderate avalanches from the crater rim and incandescent material rolled down for 500-1000 m on the sloped. [more]

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012

Sporadic explosions with ash plumes of 500-900 meters above the crater were reported and some of them had rumbling noises and felt shock waves. No lava flows. [more]

Monday, Sep 17, 2012

INSIVUMEH reports weak and some moderate explosions with fine ash plumes rising to 400 to 800 meters, moving at 8 km west, and creating light ash fall in the areas of Sangre de Christo, Panimache I and II to the west. The explosions were sometimes accompanied by rumbling sounds. The lava flows have now disappeared. [more]