Volcano warning sparks evacuation order, exodus in DR Congo

The authorities in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Thursday morning ordered the evacuation of part of the city because of the risk of eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano, immediately causing the exodus of tens of thousands of people.

The risk of further eruptions from volcano Nyiragongo led DR Congo authorities to order the evacuation of parts of the city of Goma Thursday, causing an immediate exodus of tens of thousands of people. ‘Current data on seismicity and the deformation of the ground indicate the presence of magma under the urban area of Goma, with an extension under Lake Kivu,’ the local military governor General Constant Ndima said in a broadcast public address. ‘Right now we can't rule out an eruption on land or under the lake, which could happen very soon and without warning,’ he added. ‘The situation can change rapidly, and is being constantly monitored.’