On 11 December, Volcán de Fuego located on the borders of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez Departments (central-western Guatemala) erupted and the ash column reached 5,000 m above sea level as reported by the National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology of Guatemala (INSUVIMEH).

The volcanic activity continued into 12 December, with ash emissions rising 4,800 m above sea level and dispersing about 20 km in a west and south-west direction. 

Several communities, including Panimaché I and II, Finca Palo Verde have been affected by ash fall. According to media, flights at the main national airport in Guatemala city were suspended, while a highway that connects the south and the centre of the country remained preventively closed. 

CONRED is constantly monitoring the situation and recommended people nearby the volcano to follow the local response plan (including the evacuation routes and the meeting points) in case of emergency.