Congo volcanic eruption: Indian UN peacekeepers plays key role in saving civilians, UN assets

Mount Nyiragongo, which is an active volcano started spewing lava at 6.30 pm local time on Saturday sparking panic in nearby Goma town with a population of 600,000.

New Delhi: Indian Army Personnel's part of the UN Peacekeeping forces deputed in the Democratic Republic of Congo or DR Congo have played a key role in reaching out to the local population and saving UN assets amid a major volcanic eruption from Mount Nyiragongo. Mount Nyiragongo, which is an active volcano started spewing lava at 6.30 pm local time on Saturday sparking panic in nearby Goma town with a population of 600,000. The Indian Army Personnel are part of the MONUSCO or United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Indian Brigade Headquarter located adjacent to the Goma airfield. Within hours of the eruption, the Indian Brigade jumped into action to ensure there is no threat to UN and National assets but also made sure real-time updates on the volcanic eruption were passed on to United Nations. The timely information by Indian peacekeepers, also known as blue helmets since they serve under the UN helped in bringing orderly civilian evacuation.   While the Indian Brigade HQ has been thinned out, with 70% with camp being sent to Himbi Company Operating Base (COB) for safety, a minimum strength continues to hold on to camp to ensure it continues to be in operation. "Actions by the Indian contingent in the face of imminent danger has facilitated the smooth evacuation and protection of civilians and other UN personnel in Goma", Indian Army officials aware of the development on the ground told WION.