Volcano eruption in Guatemala

In June 2018, Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted, affecting millions of people. It was the country’s most devastating volcanic eruption since 1974.

Photo Credit: NOE PEREZ/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

In June 2018, Guatemala was left reeling after the most violent and devastating volcanic eruption for 44 years.

The Fuego volcano spewed lava, ash, rocks and deadly hot gas onto hillside villages, killing over 100 people. Hundreds of families were living in schools and churches for some time after they’d left their home. Sanitation and privacy were poor, as these buildings were not designed to house so many people.

Working with our Rotary contacts, we supported families who were in urgent need. We provided small tents that were used as safe spaces to give families some privacy and preserve dignity. Watch the video to find out more.

Volcano eruption image

How active is the Fuego volcano?

Why do people live near active volcanoes?

Did we know about the Fuego volcano in advance?

How was the volcano eruption in Guatemala different to the Hawaii volcano?

We spoke to Earth Science expert Dr Zoe Mildon and the Earth Sciences department at the University of Plymouth to find out the answers.

Learn more

Working in Guatemala

We’ve worked in Guatemala four times so far – to an earthquake in 2012, to flooding and a tropical storm in 2010, and to flooding in 2005.

Elsewhere in the region, we’ve responded to volcanic eruptions in Ecuador in 2006 and Chile in 2015.