Thirteen days after the outbreak of Nyiragongo, more than 200,000 people have still not returned to Goma, according to official figures. Thousands of people are in Masisi territory, others in Rutshuru or even in Bukavu. Many others preferred not to leave the city for several reasons.
Kambale is a mechanic. He saw the lava flow coming, but he preferred to stay in Goma. “Go? But where? And how would my life be there? Who would take care of me? I preferred to stay here. If the lava goes to the left I go to the right. I could not leave like this. How would I feed myself there ”.
Pascal is a student. He also stayed in Goma. “Because I had no money. It was useless to leave. I had no money, the possibility of evacuation. That is why I did not leave ”.
Father of two children, Bruno had evacuated his small family a few hours after the volcanic eruption. He stayed in Goma especially to preserve family activities, but also a bistro that he manages. Today he is happy to see customers come back.
“Compared to the old days, there are not enough people, not even half of the people who came here, but small and small they come back, we hope the situation will go p.” Improves quickly ”.
The earthquakes have decreased in intensity and the provincial authorities say they are studying the possibility of gradually regaining the displaced population.
Today, 52 humanitarian organizations work with help, especially in water, hygiene and sanitation, protection, food, health, etc., but the needs are great. They are currently valued at about $ 20 million.
Twenty million dollars in general for all needs, but if the population can return home quickly, the first component, which is the component to support the population where it is located, will be lower. So I estimate that we will need about ten million dollars to support the return and to support the emergency rehabilitation of necessary infrastructure.
Diego Zorilla, UN Assistant Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC
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