Democratic Republic of Congo - Ranked 150/151 on the HDI
Western Limb of the East-African Rift Valley
Strato-volcano, Low viscosity, basaltic magma (60mph)
500,000 live at the foot of the volcano
Fertile farm land
17th Jan 2002:
Lava ran to Goma (11 miles away)
Impacts were much greater due to political unrest between DRC & Rwanda
People came home after fleeing to Rwanda
Destroyed 20% of homes in Goma
3m of lava covered land
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VEI 1 - Nyiragongo
Short term effects:
Warnings of the lava flows were given and allowed most people to flee their homes.
Plumes of toxic gases constantly coming out of the volcano
East of the volcano is Rwanda where there is mass genocide
Walk over the lava to escape Goma, by tying strips of cloth over their feet to protect them from burning.
Horrific burns to limbs and in some cases
Over one third of Goma destroyed (14 villages)
Water and power supplies and many of the medical facilities including three health centres and one hospital as well as lava covering the northern third of the airport runway.
147 people were killed
Over 35,0000 peoplefled the area.
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VEI 1 - Nyiragongo
Long term effects:
Those who did flee to Rwanda found that there was a problem with food and shelter provision in the small country there was also the worry of cholera and diarrhoea due to cramped conditions
There was also limited drinking water; this meant that many people suffered from dysentery,
Medical supplies where limited because of the effects of smoke and fumes from the lava which caused eye irritation and respiration problems as well as burn treatment for those who had crossed the lava.
220,000 homeless refugees crossed into Rwanda
Lots of refugees returned to Goma because there was little food and poor shelter in Rwanda, so they thought they might have a better chance at returning home
Lava made lake acidic - animal life was killed
Economic Downturn - Tourists no longer visited
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VEI 1 - Nyiragongo
Responses
Aid agencies have given bedding, equipment to provide clean water for drinking and sanitation, blankets, tents, food, and cooking utensils
UN humanitarian aid
Aid was also given in the form of blankets, household utensils, temporary shelter, clean water, sanitation and healthcare which cost the UN over $15 million
Rebuilding Goma was much greater and there was high unemployment in the area as many businesses had been destroyed in the lava flows
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