Volcano

23
May 2021
7:22 UTC

DRC & Rwanda Tactical (UPDATE): Mount Nyiragongo lava flow appears to slow at outskirts of Goma on morning of May 23; remain cognizant of local updates

Please be advised

  • Unconfirmed reports indicate that the flow of lava from Mount Nyiragongo has slowed on the outskirts of Goma, North Kivu Province, during the morning hours of May 23. 
  • Mount Nyiragongo erupted at approximately 19:00 (local time) on May 22. Several villages on the eastern slope have reportedly been burned by the lava. The lava also reportedly cut off the N2 highway north of Goma, destroying the road in the Kibati area.
  • The government announced that it would activate an evacuation plan for Goma during the late night hours of May 22, but official actions taken remain unclear.
  • Reports citing Rwandan officials indicate that more than 3,000 Congolese officially crossed the border and that they would be housed at the stadium, places of worship, and other locations. 
  • Some reports from the morning of May 23 suggest that some Congolese have begun returning to DRC.
  • Goma International Airport remains closed as of the time of writing.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Goma on May 23 are advised to remain cognizant of local updates regarding the activity and lava flow of Mount Nyiragongo.
  2. If possible, continue to seek departure to Sake, DRC or Gisenyi, Rwanda. Those who evacuated are advised to remain outside of Goma for the time being.
  3. If you are outside, take measures to protect yourself from ash and debris. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or clean cloth. Monitor air quality conditions and limit all outdoor activities.
  4. Those elsewhere in DRC are advised to avoid all travel to Goma and the Mount Nyiragongo area.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL High
AFFECTED AREA Goma, North Kivu Province, DRC
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

Please be advised

  • Unconfirmed reports indicate that the flow of lava from Mount Nyiragongo has slowed on the outskirts of Goma, North Kivu Province, during the morning hours of May 23. 
  • Mount Nyiragongo erupted at approximately 19:00 (local time) on May 22. Several villages on the eastern slope have reportedly been burned by the lava. The lava also reportedly cut off the N2 highway north of Goma, destroying the road in the Kibati area.
  • The government announced that it would activate an evacuation plan for Goma during the late night hours of May 22, but official actions taken remain unclear.
  • Reports citing Rwandan officials indicate that more than 3,000 Congolese officially crossed the border and that they would be housed at the stadium, places of worship, and other locations. 
  • Some reports from the morning of May 23 suggest that some Congolese have begun returning to DRC.
  • Goma International Airport remains closed as of the time of writing.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Goma on May 23 are advised to remain cognizant of local updates regarding the activity and lava flow of Mount Nyiragongo.
  2. If possible, continue to seek departure to Sake, DRC or Gisenyi, Rwanda. Those who evacuated are advised to remain outside of Goma for the time being.
  3. If you are outside, take measures to protect yourself from ash and debris. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or clean cloth. Monitor air quality conditions and limit all outdoor activities.
  4. Those elsewhere in DRC are advised to avoid all travel to Goma and the Mount Nyiragongo area.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL High
AFFECTED AREA Goma, North Kivu Province, DRC
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed