Goma residents on the run after volcanic eruption in eastern Congo

Follow Us @

Goma residents on the run

Many people have fled the city of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo due to a volcanic eruption 10 kilometres away. The Nyiragongo volcano emits lava and smoke. Most of the lava is heading east, Goma is south of the volcano.

Goma is home to two million people. Power has gone out in much of the city. The lava is said to have reached the city’s international airport by now.

According to volcanologists in the area, there is no danger to the city, yet many people have fled towards the border with Rwanda. An evacuation order is also in place, a government spokesman confirmed. Exactly what that means is not yet known.

In eastern Congo, armed gangs have long been unsettled by armed gangs who are moving around and fighting for control of raw materials.

The last time the Nyiragongo erupted in 2002, more than 100 people were killed and part of Goma was destroyed. The deadliest eruption was in 1977, when more than 600 people died.

More@ AFRILATEST Goma residents on the run

JOIN US ON FACEBOO