The Nyiragongo volcano has erupted. – AFP
“The evacuation plan for the city of #Goma has been activated, ”Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya announced on Twitter. Earlier in the evening, in an address recorded to the population, broadcast on local radios and social networks, the military governor of the province of North Kivu “confirmed the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano since May 22 at around 7 p.m.” local.
“The investigations are underway and the population must follow the guidelines of the civil protection,” General Constant Ndima said in this audio recording. “We will give further explanations to the population to channel them towards the directions where they will be safe,” added the governor, who has been in charge of the management of the province since the establishment of the state of siege in the region on May 6 to fight against armed groups.
The lava flow is heading towards Rwanda
According to an internal document from the UN mission in the DRC (Monusco), of which AFP has had a copy, a UN helicopter “carried out a reconnaissance flight over the area and confirmed eruption activities on the Nyiragongo ”.
“However, the lava flow is heading towards Rwanda. The city of Goma and its surroundings are safe, ”said this assessment. Goma is home to a large contingent of peacekeepers and many members of MONUSCO personnel. It is also the base of many NGOs and other international organizations.