The Nyiragongo volcano, which erupted on Saturday 22 May around 19:00, is now standing still and the city of Goma, panicking last night, has so far been saved. Many Congolese who fled their homes, as far as Rwanda, return home. According to the military governor of the region, five people lost their lives.
Throughout the night, conflicting information circulated on social networks, accompanied by pictures of roads and houses on fire. The main lava flow that threatened Goma eventually ended in Buhene, on the outskirts of the city, “about two kilometers away”, explains the mayor of Goma, who was reached by David Baché in the Africa service. Information confirmed by the military governor of the region who announced that the city had been “spared” by the lava from the volcano, which also did not reach the airport.
►Also read : Nyiragongo volcano erupts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: lava flow has stopped but tremor remains
After the night’s panic, it’s time for relief for the residents of Goma. “The calm has returned,” the mayor asserts. Many feared losing everything, such as during the last eruption of the volcano, in 2002, which destroyed a third of the city. with his family, ready for an emergency departure to Bukavu a little further south. He was finally able to have breakfast in his house.
The approximately 8,000 people who had crossed the Rwandan border meanwhile spent the night at Rubavu Stadium, in schools or on the street … But the majority have already returned to Goma, this Sunday morning, while small earthquakes were still felt in the area, reports our Special Correspondent in Rubavu, Laure broulard.
The fact remains that many homes have burned down in the surrounding villages, that tremors are still felt and that caution remains in order. “It can still bounce back,” according to Goma Mayor Thimote Mwisa Kyense.
People are starting to come back little by little (…) but it can still bounce back. Nothing is certain yet. We will observe the movement all day.
Timothée Mwissa Kiense, Mayor of Goma
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