DRC, Rwanda: Mount Nyiragongo volcano, near Goma, likely to remain active through May /update 4

Event

Activity at Mount Nyiragongo volcano, located approximately 14 km (9 miles) north-northeast of Goma, is likely to persist through late May. The volcanic eruption began May 22 and ceased May 24; however, related activity continues. An Ash plume some 6,100m (20,000 feet) high was reported May 25. Seismic activity has also been regularly reported. Since May 22, over 100 tremors have been reported.

Related earthquakes have caused infrastructure damage in Goma and surrounding areas, including in Gisenyi in Rwanda. Widespread power and water outages continue to be reported in several districts in and around Goma. Authorities have confirmed at least 32 deaths. At least 8,000 residents have crossed the border to Rubavu, Rwanda. Thousands more have been displaced near the volcano.

Airports in Goma (GOM) and Bukavu (BKY) remain closed as of May 26 due to the persisting volcanic activity. A portion of the RN2 road between Rutshuru and Goma is also closed. All tourist activities at the Virunga National Park have subsequently ceased following the eruption.

Emergency management personnel will likely remain deployed in the area until the situation normalizes. Ground transport disruptions will likely continue in the region over the coming days. Regional flight disruptions may also persist.

Health
Any further volcanic activity may impact air quality in nearby areas. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - may experience difficulty breathing and suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion. The impact on the water supply may increase related diseases, such as cholera.

Context

The volcano started to erupt on May 22, spewing lava in the direction of the border with Rwanda and stopped on May 24 at the village of Buhene, located on the outskirts of Goma. Mount Nyiragongo's last major eruption occurred in 2002; fast-moving lava flowed into Goma during the eruption, killing at least 250 people and displacing around 120,000 residents.

Advice

Consider avoiding Mount Nyiragongo and surrounding areas until volcanic activity subsides. Confirm regional transport arrangements. Avoid areas where lava has flowed and heavy ash accumulations. If operating in areas affected by the ash cloud, consider remaining indoors in air-conditioned facilities when possible. Those who must be outdoors should use protective face coverings and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation. Drive defensively; seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas close to the volcano. Observe strict food and water precautions