Guatemala City (AFP) – Guatemalan authorities issued the country's second-highest emergency alert level on Monday after a major eruption of Central America's most active volcano, prompting the evacuation of nearby villages.

Fuego erupted on Monday morning and had intensified by nightfall, with lava flows and huge plumes of ash spewed about six kilometers (four miles) into the air.

"An orange (danger) alert has been declared nationwide due to the eruption of the Fuego volcano," disaster coordination agency Conred said on X.

The alert level is one below the highest level of red, which indicates the most serious emergency.

Officials began evacuating on Monday two villages near the volcano, which is located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital Guatemala City.

Footage released by the emergency services showed the powerful eruption turning clouds red and lava flowing down the slopes of the 3,763-metre-high (12,346-foot) volcano.

"If an evacuation is ordered or conditions pose a risk to your life, follow the principle of self-evacuation," Conred spokesperson Valeria Urizar said in a video posted on social media.

The country's Institute of Volcanology warned in a statement that the volcano was "moving towards a more explosive phase".

It warned of hot volcanic debris flows down Fuego's slopes, with communities on the western and southern flanks at the greatest risk.

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