DRC, Rwanda: Authorities enact evacuation orders for ten districts in Goma, May 27, due to Mount Nyiragongo's continuing activity /update 5

Event

Continued activity at the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, located approximately 14 km (9 miles) north-northeast of Goma, has prompted local authorities to enact evacuation orders for ten districts, May 27. According to local seismologists, another volcanic eruption is possible in the coming days following intense seismic activity in Goma in the past few days. The ten affected districts are Majengo, Mabanga Nord, Mabanga Sud, Virunga, Bujovu, Kahembe, Mikeno, Mapendo, Murara, and locations near the volcano; tens of thousands of people have reportedly left the area as of the morning of May 27 to reach Sake, Bukavu, or Gisenyi in neighboring Rwanda.

Volcanic activity is likely to persist through early June. The eruption at Mount Nyiragongo began May 22 and ceased May 24; however, related activity has continued as of May 27, with ash plumes and regular tremors reported May 25-26. 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 and 40 people missing. At least 8,000 residents have crossed the border to Rubavu, Rwanda. Around 4,500 households have been left homeless.

Airports in Goma (GOM) and Bukavu (BKY) remain closed until further notice as of May 27 due to the persisting volcanic activity. The ferry services linking Goma to Bukavu have also been suspended until further notice. 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 nonessential travel near Mount Nyiragongo and surrounding areas until volcanic activity subsides. Confirm regional transport arrangements. Avoid areas where lava has flowed and heavy ash accumulations. Abide by all evacuation orders. 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