Emergency Aid Committed To Victims Of Volcano Eruption In Eastern Congo

Catholic Relief Services
Thursday, 17 January 2002

Catholic Relief Services has allocated an initial $50,000 to assist the people affected by today's volcano eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in eastern Congo has endangered thousands of people's lives in and around the town of Goma and in neighboring Rwanda. Agency staff are working with partner organizations such as Caritas Goma to respond to the immediate needs of those affected and to assess the long-term impacts of today's eruption.

"CRS staff from our offices in DRC and Rwanda are working together to gauge the existing and potential damage and develop an assistance plan for the most severe emergency cases," said Ken Hackett, CRS Executive Director.

Mount Nyiragongo, known as one of Africa's most active volcanoes, is situated in the town of Goma in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Rwanda. The last activity at Nyiragongo dates back to 1994. In early January, an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck the area near the volcano, which prompted local volcanologists to schedule a surveillance mission for this Saturday.

Massive eruptions have been spewing lava in different directions down the flanks of the volcano. One stream is headed straight towards Goma where evacuation efforts have begun. Reports state that as many as 400,000 people may have to evacuate.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org