Social vulnerability of Esquipulas Guayabal town in regard to hazards from El Chichón volcano, México

El Chichón, the most active volcano in the Chiapaneco Volcanic Arc of southeastern Mexico, erupted explosively in March-April 1982. The eruption caused extensive environmental destruction, significant loss of life, and profound social upheaval. While much has been documented about the immediate effects of this catastrophic event, the long-term social dynamics and the ongoing consequences in the region remain underexplored. Studying the aftermath of such prolonged crises is essential, as the consequences often extend far beyond the initial shock and continue to shape the future of affected communities. This study focuses on the indigenous community of Esquipulas Guayabal, a village that was entirely buried by the eruption. Its primary objectives are to shed light on the complex journey of the affected population and assess the social vulnerability of the town’s residents. The fndings reveal a high level of vulnerability among people living within 5 km of the summit crater. Contributing factors include: (i) the formation of a new multiethnic community, which has led to fragmented local organizations between Tzotzil and Zoque groups, each with differing perceptions of risk and territorial issues; (ii) inadequate basic services, poor communication infrastructure, and insufficient evacuation routes; (iii) a limited understanding of volcanic hazards and a lack of knowledge about the current status of the volcano and how to access relevant information; and (iv) unresolved land tenure conflicts that have persisted since the eruption. Addressing these long-term vulnerabilities is vital for overcoming the ongoing challenges faced by communities after volcanic eruptions. This paper also highlights the absence of comprehensive, continuous monitoring of the Chichón volcano. However, it points to the emerging development of shadow network collaboration, which, despite limited political-administrative resources, offers the potential to incorporate local community capacities into medium-term risk management strategies.