At least 32 people have been reported dead and more than 30,000 have been displaced after a volcano erupted from Mount Nyiragongo On Saturday night in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Seven people reportedly burned to death, three people died from smoke, and another two asphyxiated from volcanic gas, Reuters reported, of the eruption.
Additionally, while trying to flee the eruption, Nine people died in car accidents trying to evacuate the area, ABC News reported. Tragically, Four of the people killed were inmates at Munzenze prison in Goma; who died trying to escape during the eruption. The death toll could rise in the coming days, as officials continue to inspect the destruction.
Mount Nyiragongo
Residents of Goma began evacuating, mostly on on foot, several hours; before the Congolese government released an official evacuation notice.
According to UNICEF, at least 25,000 people were internally displaced, while another 8,000 crossed the border into Rwanda, seeking refuge. More than 150 children were separated from their families and more than 170 children are feared to be missing.
Most people returned home Sunday morning, after the lava stopped flowing, UNICEF noted; adding that there’s concern that hundreds will return to find damaged homes, as well as water and electricity shortages.
Saturday’s eruption left damage in at least 17 villages around the volcano; including some suburbs of Goma, Reuters reported. The trail of destruction claimed many homes, as well as several health centers, a primary school, a water pipeline and Goma’s main electricity supply line.
