In DR Congo, the eruption of a large volcano Nyiragongo began near the city of Goma, where about 2 million people live. Panic-stricken crowds with mattresses and personal belongings were seen in the streets, BBC News reported.
Lava fountains lit up Goma’s night sky, forming a thick orange sky, the agency said. DR Congo authorities began an evacuation plan a few hours after the eruption began.
Thousands of people reportedly fled from the erupting volcano in panic, many on foot.
Crowds were seen with mattresses and other things, journalists write. Some fled to the east, to the border with Rwanda, others to the west, on the hills. Rwandan authorities said some 3,000 people from Goma have officially crossed the border. According to local media reports, they will be placed in schools and religious institutions.
The UN Peacekeeping Mission in the country carries out monitoring flights over the city.
Volcanic activity around Goma: MONUSCO makes reconnaissance flights.
The lava does not appear to be heading towards the city of Goma. We remain on the alert. pic.twitter.com/JQmz7v16Ne
– MONUSCO (@MONUSCO) May 22, 2021
A new fissure in the volcano is reportedly allowing lava to flow south to the city towards the airport. In large areas, there were problems with electricity, lava flooded the highway connecting Goma with the city of Benu.
A spokesman for Virunga National Park, where the volcano is located, said the eruption was similar to the 2002 eruption, which killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless. According to him, everyone who is near the airport must immediately evacuate.
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located 10 km from Goma. There were concerns that he was not being properly monitored after the World Bank cut funding for the Goma Observatory over allegations of corruption.
The deadliest eruption of Nyiragongo was in 1977. Then 600 people died.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
