Tens of thousands of people are trying to escape the city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after authorities issued an evacuation order warning that Mt Nyiragongo volcano could erupt again.
In the afternoon of Saturday the 22nd of May 2021, the town of Goma and its surroundings in North Kivu Province, experienced a sudden eruption of Nyiragongo volcano. Mount Nyiragongo is one of the world’s more active volcanoes but there were concerns that its activity had not been properly observed by the Goma Volcano Observatory.
At least 32 persons are feared dead, 40,000 people are currently internally displaced in DRC while 7,000 persons have fled to Rwanda as refugees. Access to basic health and education services in Goma is disrupted due to destroyed roads; electricity, and water supply networks. There is a likelihood of an outbreak of water-borne disease, many are still injured/ suffering burns, while others are suffering from psychosocial stress.
ACT DRC national members BOAD and Eelco are working on a Rapid Respond fund request to respond to the life-threatening needs of displaced persons. CWS and Christian Aid are working on a regional appeal to respond to the needs of the internally displaced persons in DRC and refugees in Rwanda.
