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Natural Disaster Alert – U. S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala – (March 23, 2021)
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March 23, 2021

Message for U.S. CitizensLocation: Guatemala

Event: Eruptions Continue at Pacaya Volcano

The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) reports continued high levels of activity at Pacaya March 23. Ash is dispersing up to 50 km to the north, north west and north east over an area extending 50km north of Pacaya.  Coordinadora Nacional Para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED) reports ash is falling in Guatemala City, Los Pocitos, Los Dolores, Mesías Altas, Mesías Bajas, Santa Elena Barillas, and Villa Nueva. Other communities may have additional ash fall during the day.

Air operations at La Aurora International Airport are currently suspended.

The U.S. Embassy recommends citizens limit outdoor activity, protect their airway when outside, and use HEPA filters if available.  Embassy operations are normal, and we continue to closely monitor all bulletins issued by INSIVUMEH and CONRED (National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction).

Visit CONRED and INSIVUMEH websites for updated weather and hazard information.

GOG Response Update: 

  • Pacaya National Park and Laguna de Calderas remains closed.
  • Air operations at La Aurora are currently suspended.

Actions to Take:

CONRED advises citizens to:

  • Follow precautionary measures issued by local authorities
  • Review household evacuation plans and ensure 72 hour evacuation bags for household members are ready
  • If necessary, evacuate to the closest shelter in your community

In addition, the U.S. embassy recommends U.S. citizens in the area to:

  • Wear masks (N95 ideally) when outdoors
  • Close windows and use air filters if available when indoors
  • Consider temporary relocation from affected areas if experiencing negative respiratory symptoms due to prolonged exposure to volcanic ash.
  • Review your personal security plans
  • Monitor local news for updates
  • For specific details on weather alerts, refer to http://insivumeh.gob.gt/ and https://conred.gob.gt/site/index.php

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Guatemala City

https://gt.usembassy.gov

Tel. (502) 2326-4000

Amcitsguatemala@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page

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