DRC: Mount Nyiragongo eruption

Mount Nyiragongo erupted on 22 May 2021near the city of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At least 25,000 people were displaced in Sake, 25 km northwest of Goma, and 7,000 travelled towards neighbouring Rwanda to seek refuge. 31 people died, and 24 were injured by the lava flows; 40 adults and 170 children are missing. Three villages and one neighbourhood in the city of Goma were destroyed by the lava, including more than 3,500 houses and five schools. Over 20,000 people lost their home and are currently living in host communities, public spaces, and schools. The volcano’s crater appears to have refilled, which is likely to cause new fissures opening or another volcano eruption. More aftershocks are expected after the eruption, along with the risk of a second eruption. The ash cloud from the volcano is likely to cause respiratory diseases.