Nyiragongo Eruption during COVID-19 times
Nyiragongo Eruption during COVID-19 times : Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano which is found in Virunga national park in the Democratic republic of Congo.
Following the recent eruption of Mount Nyiragongo which took place on the 22nd May 2021, many of the locals leaving in the neighboring areas around the mountain fled to cross to safety in Rwanda.
Many homes and property was destroyed following the lava flows from Mount Nyiragongo which reached up to the outskirts of the mountain. At least 15 people have been reported dead following the lava flows.
Background of Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is part of the Virunga mountains which also includes Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Nyamuragira.
Three of these mountains are active while the remaining 5 mountains are extinct and they are found in the rift valley and are shared by 3 countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo.
The Nyiragongo mountain is found close to the border of Rwanda which is referred to as the Goma- Gisenyi border.
When last eruption happened on Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo has erupted at least 34 times before since 1882 causing a lot of destructions that has affected many lives over the years.
The last eruption on Mount Nyiragongo occurred about 2 decades ago in 2002. Another active volcano which is found in the Virunga national park is Mount Nyamuragira.
Causes of eruption on Mount Nyiragongo
Some of the causes of the eruption that occurred on Mount Nyiragongo include the following;
This year’s eruption of Mount Nyiragongo occurred through the fissures on the mountain and streams of lava flowed destroying the neighboring town of Goma and displacing many of the families in the towns.
The main cause of eruption on mountains is magma rising to the surface of the earth as a result of tectonic movements which forces the magma to the surface. The difference between lava and magma is that lava is molten rock which flows through the surface of the earth while magma is molten rock that is underground.
Effects of eruption on Mount Nyiragongo
The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo has left many homeless, families have been separated, about 15 people have been reported to have lost their lives as a result of the eruption and a lot of property has also been destroyed.
The locals in areas of Goma fled to the neighboring country of Rwanda where thousands of people were seen crossing the border to safety after leaving their property, businesses, homes and much more behind.
The fear from the previous eruptions that took place on Mount Nyiragongo left scars in the hearts of the people who lost their homes and their loved ones. This same fear was brought back on the 22nd of May 2021 as the lava flows started destroying these same homes which many have tried to build again over the years.
The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo which has taken place during the COVID time has affected many families who are struggling to get back on their feet and survive and also stay safe and protect themselves from getting the virus.
Democratic republic of Congo is receiving help from NGO’s, the UN and other well-wishers to help the victims of the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo and people affected by the eruptions which have left them homeless.
Why visit Mount Nyiragongo?
Tourists visit Mount Nyiragongo to see the lava lake and there are also other activities such as hiking which takes place on the mountain.
Hikes on Mount Nyiragongo starts from the Kibati ranger post which is a starting point for the volcanic hike on the mountain. Briefing about the hiking experience is also done at the ranger post before the actual trek.
Guides, porters and rangers accompany the hikers during their volcanic treks on Mount Nyiragongo. Hiking to the summit of the mountain takes about 4 to 6 hours and although the hike is tough due to the steep slopes, the experience of seeing the lava lake of Nyiragongo is amazing.
A permit for hiking on Mount Nyiragongo is booked in advance and the Nyiragongo tour can take about 3 to 4 days. It costs 300 USD for a permit for the hiking experience on Nyiragongo mountain.
Information about Goma
Goma is a town in the eastern part of the democratic republic of Congo and is located close to the Virunga national park.
Getting to Goma can be through the Goma international airport and the airline which operates in this airport is the Ethiopian airlines and it offers domestic and international flights around the country.
There are many attractions which can be accessed from Goma and they include the Virunga national park where gorilla trekking is carried out at 400 USD. Another activity which takes place around the national park is visiting the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage, chimpanzee trekking, guided nature walks among others.
The price for gorilla trekking in Virunga national park is lower compared to other destinations where gorilla trekking is carried out such as in Rwanda where it costs 1500 USD in Volcanoes national park and Uganda where it costs 700 USD for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Population in Goma which is the area close to the Mount Nyiragongo where the eruption took place is about 670,000 people. The roads around Goma are not well developed however it is a good tourism destination.
