Thousands flee Goma in DRC after Nyiragongo volcano erupts, sparking panic
- Power was cut in large parts of the city and hundreds of residents began leaving their homes and heading towards the nearby border with Rwanda
- The last time Nyiragongo erupted was January 17, 2002, killing more than a hundred people
Thousands have fled a volcanic eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the flaming lava from Mount Nyiragongo appeared to have come to a halt on the outskirts of Goma city early Sunday.
The molten rock, which the eruption had sent close to Goma airport on the shores of Lake Kivu, still appeared unstable, but had come to a standstill in the suburbs of the eastern city. About a dozen earth tremors were felt in the early hours.
“People are beginning to return to their homes. The situation seems to have calmed down for the moment,” one resident said. “But people are still scared. The authorities still haven’t made any official announcement so far this morning.”
Thousands had fled during the night and many families slept on pavements surrounded by their belongings under a night sky turned red by fire and fumes.
“There is a smell of sulphur. In the distance you can see giant flames coming out of the mountain,” said one resident, Carine Mbala.
Officials said the lava had reached Goma city airport although residents said it had stopped at the edge of the facility. Goma appeared relatively calm as dawn broke, but people said they are still wary.