On Saturday 22/05/2021 at 7 p.m. (local time), the Nyiragongo volcano located in the territory of Nyiragongo in North Kivu erupted, Seventeen villages including Buhene, Katoyi and Majengo were affected by the lava flow destroying homes and infrastructure as it passed. The lava flow, the discharge of ash and gas as well as the multiple earthquakes have led to the destruction of many homes, public buildings (schools, health structures), fields, but also drinking water supply systems and electricity, and the interruption of communication. Three health structures, a primary school, a local market and the destruction of the main source of electricity in the region were among the damages done by the volcano eruption.

Over 270 children are missing and 302 more have been separated from their families, the United Nations Children's Agency reported.

The Minister of Communication declared on Thursday May 27, 2021 that in view of the complexity of the situation, the city of Goma faces four types of risks: accentuation of the earthquake, new volcanic eruption, explosion of gas pockets under the lake, and ambient environmental toxicity caused by volcanic ash. It is important to note that the government ordered for an evacuation of the city of Goma, this without a proper evacuation plan that allow the displaced people to be safe and have access to basic needs at arrival. We also note that the earthquakes are still ongoing and the risks previously mentioned remain on a red alert button.

Eddy Musoke

On Saturday 22/05/2021 at 7 p.m. (local time), the Nyiragongo volcano located in the territory of Nyiragongo in North Kivu erupted, Seventeen villages including Buhene, Katoyi and Majengo were affected by the lava flow destroying homes and infrastructure as it passed. The lava flow, the discharge of ash and gas as well as the multiple earthquakes have led to the destruction of many homes, public buildings (schools, health structures), fields, but also drinking water supply systems and electricity, and the interruption of communication. Three health structures, a primary school, a local market and the destruction of the main source of electricity in the region were among the damages done by the volcano eruption.

Over 270 children are missing and 302 more have been separated from their families, the United Nations Children's Agency reported.

The Minister of Communication declared on Thursday May 27, 2021 that in view of the complexity of the situation, the city of Goma faces four types of risks: accentuation of the earthquake, new volcanic eruption, explosion of gas pockets under the lake, and ambient environmental toxicity caused by volcanic ash. It is important to note that the government ordered for an evacuation of the city of Goma, this without a proper evacuation plan that allow the displaced people to be safe and have access to basic needs at arrival. We also note that the earthquakes are still ongoing and the risks previously mentioned remain on a red alert button.

Eddy Musoke