US State Department issues natural disaster alerts as volcanic activity threatens Guatemala and Typhoon Dolphin puts travelers at risk in Japan
Americans have been warned of potential travel disruptions in Guatemala as one of Central America’s most active volcanoes shows increased activity, while U.S. travelers in Japan are also facing warnings over a powerful typhoon.
Natural disaster alert for Guatemala
The U.S. State Department’s Consular Affairs arm issued a natural disaster alert for Guatemala on Wednesday, August 5, after the country’s volcanic monitoring agency reported a significant increase in activity at the Fuego volcano.
Guatemala’s National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) reported increased emissions from Fuego, which is ejecting ash, rocks and hot gases. Officials warned that the volcanic activity could intensify.
The departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango could be affected, while operations at Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport could face temporary disruptions because of ash and wind conditions.
Americans in the region have been advised to remain alert, monitor local updates and prepare for potential travel delays as authorities track the volcano.
Officials have suspended classes in several nearby municipalities and restricted access to areas surrounding Fuego. Around 1,700 people have also been evacuated to shelters.
Fuego volcano
Fuego, located roughly 10 miles southwest of Antigua Guatemala, a popular tourist destination, is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.
The volcano frequently produces ash plumes, lava flows and pyroclastic flows — fast-moving currents of hot gas, ash and rock. Communities on its slopes regularly experience ashfall during periods of increased activity, while stronger eruptions can force evacuations, road closures and disruptions to air travel.
Fuego has also caused deadly destruction in the past. A major eruption in June 2018 sent pyroclastic flows into surrounding communities, killing hundreds and becoming one of Guatemala’s worst natural disasters in recent history.
Typhoon Dolphin threatens Japan
The Guatemala warning comes as Americans thousands of miles away in Okinawa, Japan, have been advised to stock up on supplies and seek shelter as Typhoon Dolphin threatens the region.
The storm was expected to begin affecting Okinawa on August 6, with disruptions potentially continuing through Sunday.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan urged people to remain indoors as the storm brings the threat of “extremely high winds, dangerous storm tides, heavy rainfall, possible flooding and landslides.”
Typhoon Dolphin strengthened significantly while moving across the western Pacific. NASA Earth Data reported that the storm reached Category 5 strength on July 30, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph.
As of August 6, the storm had sustained winds of 90 mph, according to interactive weather map and hurricane tracker Zoom Earth.
Typhoons are the Pacific equivalent of hurricanes and can cause widespread transportation and power disruptions, particularly in coastal areas.
Dangerous conditions can also continue after a storm’s center passes, with flooding, strong winds and hazardous surf potentially lingering for days.