Rise of the alert level of the Nyamulagira volcano in the DRC
The alert level of the Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo volcanoes, located near the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), remains at yellow, according to the weekly bulletin of the Volcanological Observatory of Goma (OVG) published on May 9. 2023. Although the phenomenology of the lava lake activity of the crater of Nyamulagira is decreasing, the last week has seen a considerable increase in the field of this volcano. The earthquakes were concentrated along the large fracture connecting the two active volcanoes. Geodetic measurements revealed slight dilation in the site north of Goma, while CO2 concentration in measurement sites along the main Bugarura and Munigi fracture remained low.
This inactive OVG intervened following the earthquakes that shook the region of Goma and North Kivu last week. Although nothing predicts an imminent eruption, the OVG recommended that the authorities remain alert and prepare contingency plans to guarantee the safety of the population in the event of a possible outbreak.
This unstable geological environment has been closely monitored since the volcanic disaster of 2002, during which the eruption of Nyiragongo killed more than 200 people and left thousands homeless in Goma.
Although the volcanic situation remains alarming, the Kivu region must also deal with many other crises, including accusations of invasion by Rwandan militias, deadly floods, communal tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic and other political and economic challenges.
Despite these challenges, the DRC, a Central African country with rich natural resources, continues to work for the reconstruction and development of regions affected by civil war and corruption. Local and international organizations support their efforts to strengthen basic infrastructure, public investment, social inclusion and sustainable management of natural resources