Due to the fire that consumes large amounts of waste in the landfill of the Authority for Sustainable Management of the Basin and Lake Amatitlán (AMSA), air quality deteriorates in the metropolitan area, according to an analysis of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh).
According to data from the Insivumeh air quality monitoring station, located in Guatemala City, air quality is located in the “very bad” category from 6:00 p.m., so it is considered harmful to human health.
“The current conditions of air quality could be affected in the next few hours due to the fire recorded by Conred in the AMSA landfill, located at kilometer 22 of the CA-9, route to Villa Nueva. This could cause an increase in concentrations of particulate material, ”reports Insivumeh.
According to official reports, the areas most affected by poor air quality are San Lucas Sacatepéquez and Mixco, as well as zones 7, 3, 8, 11 and 12 of the capital. In addition, broad sectors of Amatitlán and Villa Nueva also have high levels of pollution.
“It is important that the population remains informed through the social networks of the Conred and follow the recommendations on the state of air pollution. Keep the doors and windows closed, use mask, drive with the windows up and not perform outdoor activities without adequate protection, ”said Juan Laureano, spokesman for CONRED.
The Guatemalan Red Cross also made several recommendations to reduce the effects of poor air quality.
Among the recommended measures is the use of mask that covers the nose and mouth, especially in children, pregnant women, older adults and people with respiratory diseases.
Likewise, it is suggested to keep doors and windows of the homes closed, avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated.
Recommendations in the poor air quality
🔴 General measures:
✔️ Maintain closed doors and windows.
✔️ Avoid outdoor activities.
✔️ Use mask, especially in vulnerable people.
✔️ Driving with the windows above.
✔️ Stay hydrated.
🛑 More affected areas:
📍 San Lucas Sacatepéquez
📍 Mixco
📍 Zones 7, 3, 8, 11 and 12 of the capital
📍 Amatitlán
📍 New Villa
⚠️ Air state:
📊 Category: Very bad (according to Insivumeh)
🕕 From: 18.00 hours
📢 Source: Conred and Insivumeh
🚨 Given the high level of the air quality index, due to its contamination, before the fire that is recorded in the Villa Nueva, Guatemala landfill, Guatemala, #Cruzrojagt recommends you:
We can’t stop, they need us outside pic.twitter.com/1vwoduflbb
– Cruzrojagt (@cruzrojagt_) March 17, 2025