Volcano Erupts on Goma's Doorstep Again

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 26, 2002 (ENS) – United Nations officials are monitoring an active volcano that began erupting Thursday night near the eastern Congolese city of Goma, which was largely destroyed by another volcano earlier this year.

Near the crater of Mount Nyamuragira, a 100 metre (325 foot) high lava fountain is spewing molten rock.

An official with the U.N. Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nairobi said the lava flows from the Nyamulagira volcano are heading towards the Viruga National Park.

Lava lake in Mount Nyiragongo during its 1994 eruption. (Photo by Jack Lockwood, USGS)

Following a survey conducted overnight, a team of UN vulcanologists has been flown to the area by helicopter to get a better assessment of the situation.

The United Nations reported today that lava from Nyamuragira could "wreak physical destruction" but is not likely to harm residents in the area.

UN vulcanologists are also examining Mount Nyiragongo in Goma, which erupted in January, causing extensive damage and forcing some 300,000 people to flee their homes.

Lava from Mount Nyiragongo covers the streets of Goma. January 21, 2002. (Photo courtesy IFRC)

The most recent previous eruption of Nyamuragira began on July 4, 1994 from a fissure on the west flank. The eruption generated ash, lava fountains, and flows. Ash fell 12 miles (20 km) from the volcano. The eruption ended more than a year later on July 27, 1995.

Both volcanoes are associated with the East African Rift and are part of the Virunga Volcanic Chain. It is in the Congo, not far from the border with Rwanda. Nyiragongo is in Virunga National Park and is one of Africa's most active volcanoes.