Nyriagongo, Africa Volcano Case Study

17 January 2002

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa near Lake Kivu and the city of Goma

Shield Volcano-

Low rounded peak, wide base and gentle slopes, layers of runny lava with little ash, frequent and non- violent eruptions

• It is found at a destructive plate margin
• 2 parts of the East African Plate were breaking
• Plates pushed against each other and this caused the volcano to erupt

• The speed of the lava reached 60kph.
• The lava flowed across the runway at the Goma Airport and through the town, splitting it in half.
• The lava destroyed many homes as well as roads and water pipes.
• The lava set off explosions in fuel stores and power plants
• Killed 45 people.

• 500,000 people fled from Goma into neighbouring Rwanda
• Evacuees spent the night sleeping on the streets of Gisenyi.
• Rwanda could not cope with the influx, therefore there was no shelter, electricity or clean water.
• Cholera and other similar diseases were a real risk.
• Looting was a problem in Goma

• Many residents returned to Goma within a week, in hope of receiving aid.
• Water was supplied in tankers (Bowsers).
• Aid agencies, including Christian Aid and Oxfam, were involved in the distribution of food, medicine and blankets.
• Aid centres were set up in order to provide shelter

• Money was donated by various charity organisations
• Rebuilding of buildings commenced
• Nyriagongo was closely monitored in case of other violent eruptions
• Aid was sent out for education of children