Eruption at Fuego Intensifies - Over 30,000 Evacuated

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 ...