Dr Congo: Nyiragongo volcano no longer rumbling, residents of Goma are returning home

Published on : 06/09/2021 – 14:39

Ten days after the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano, life is gradually resuming its course in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the residents of Goma who had fled, it is time to return.

After the lava flow of May 22, which left at least 32 dead according to the official report, tens of thousands of people had withdrawn to the locality of Sake, 26 km west of Goma.

While the authorities have chartered buses for the return of the displaced, civil protection is reassuring. “There is no problem in Goma. The OVG (the Volcanological Observatory of Goma, Editor’s note) has finished the investigation of the cracks, the investigation of the line of the lava flow, there is no There is no direct danger in Goma. Goma Hakuna Matata, may people be welcome, “said Joseph Makund, provincial president of Civil Protection.

Concerned residents

For nearly two weeks, the displaced were confronted with cold, lack of food and water, and cases of cholera. “We suffered. Not living at home is suffering. We no longer had our small business to work. I am going back to Goma, but I don’t really know where I will go and if I will find anything. eat, ”describes Alliance Maheshe, a displaced Goma resident.

Buses will travel to other cities over the next few days, but the return will be difficult as lava has damaged water and electricity networks. In total, the volcano eruption forced more than 400,000 people to flee their homes. According to humanitarian organizations, 160,000 of them have already found their homes.