Report on Pacaya (Guatemala) March 2021
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Managing Editor: Edward Venzke. Edited by A. Elizabeth Crafford.
Pacaya (Guatemala)
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2021. Report on Pacaya (Guatemala) (Crafford, A.E., and Venzke, E., eds.).
Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, 46:3. Smithsonian Institution.
Pacaya
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
Extensive lava flows, bomb-laden Strombolian explosions, and ash plumes emerging from Mackenney crater have characterized the persistent activity at Pacaya since 1961. The latest eruptive episode began with intermittent ash plumes and incandescence in June 2015; the growth of a new pyroclastic cone inside the summit crater was confirmed later that year. The cone has continued to grow, producing frequent loud Strombolian explosions rising above the crater rim and ongoing ash emissions. In addition, fissures on the flanks of the summit crater have been the source of an increasing number of lava
Residents of small communities living around Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano wake each day wondering if the lava will reach their homes. A lava flow descending the volcano has advanced between El Patrocinio and San José el Rodeo. In the case of the latter, the lava has advanced to within two and half blocks of the outermost…
Guatemala - Volcanic activity update (INSIVUMEH, CONRED, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 23 April 2021)
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Pacaya volcano, located 30 km south-west of Guatemala City, continues its explosive and effusive activity. Lava flows at high temperatures and with the emanation of volcanic gases are still active on the western and southwestern flanks of the volcano, between the communities of El Patrocinio and San José el Rodeo.
Media reports that the lava arrived a few hundred metres from the outermost houses located in the communities close to the volcano.
According to the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH), people who live in communities near the volcano and the lava flows are advised to avoid putting their lives at risk.