Panic in Goma as volcano in eastern Congo erupts, thousands flee in search of safety

Lava erupted from Nyiragongo, one of the world`s most active volcanoes forced thousands of Goma residents to flee the city on foot.

Goma: Lava from a volcanic eruption approached the airport of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo`s main city of Goma late on Saturday (May 22), and the government urged residents to evacuate. As the red glow of Mount Nyiragongo tinged the night sky above the lakeside city of about 2 million, thousands of Goma residents carrying mattresses and other belongings fled the city on foot - many toward the frontier with Rwanda. Nyiragongo`s last eruption in 2002 killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless. It is one of the world`s most active volcanoes and is considered among the most dangerous.