Faith Nyasuguta
Volcanologists have revealed that they have observed a glow at the top of the Nyamulagira volcano in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
They note that it has been sparked by a movement of lava at shallow depths towards the central crater of the Nyamulagira volcano, according to the latest data.
2011 saw Nyamulagira’s last major eruption- its biggest eruption in 100 years.
Nyamulagira is located right at the centre of Virunga national park, which is also home to endangered mountain gorillas.
The Goma Volcano Observatory cautioned on Monday evening that if a fresh eruption happens, the lava would flow towards the park.
There are currently no threats to the city of Goma, where around 670,000 people live according to UN estimates.
However, volcanic ash and strands of cooled lava could be blown by wind into inhabited areas, the observatory added in a statement.
“We recommend that the people of Goma keep calm and go about their business freely,” it said.
Residents have been called upon to wash vegetables and use stored water, while airlines have also been told to consider the wind direction when flying over the Virunga region.
In May 2021, tens of thousands of people were evacuated from the city of Goma after Mount Nyiragongo erupted.
