Volcano Erupts in Eastern Congo, Thousands Flee Goma City

Lava from the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo approached towards the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s main city of Goma and has caused thousands to flee the city.

Context

Lava from the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo approached towards the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s main city of Goma and has caused thousands to flee the city.

About the Mount Nyiragongo and the volcanic eruption

• Mount Nyiragongois an active stratovolcano in the Virunga Mountains which is associated with the Albertine Rift.

• It is located inside the Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• The main crater is about two kilometres wide and contains a lava lake.

• Nyiragongo and nearby Nyamuragira both are responsible for 40% of Africa's volcanic eruptions.

• It is one of the world’s most activevolcanoes and is considered among the most dangerous volcanoes.

• Nyiragongo’s was erupted last in 2002 which killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless.