Ten days after the eruption of Nyiragongo, volcanic activity seems to have calmed down a bit in Goma, but the evacuation order is still being maintained by the authorities. According to the UN Humanitarian Coordination, there are more than 500,000 displaced persons. But in recent days, we have seen a movement of these displaced people returning to Goma.
A UNICEF official observed several hundred displaced people returning from Rutshuru, via the northern road, which was cleared of its lava flow. Some returns were also observed from Sake, on the southern axis.
Seismic activity is much less intense than last week in Goma. This gives an impression of security for the population that can individually decide to return, despite the governor’s evacuation order, still in force for 10 of the city’s 18 districts.
The displaced return to check that their property has not been looted. Because they lack water or food at an affordable price near Goma. UN humanitarian coordinator Diego Zorrilla admits that their reception was not organized at all.
However, humanitarian aid has accelerated for two days. The World Food Program began its food distribution on Sunday. Access points to drinking water from tankers have been installed by the ICRC and Mercy Corps. A strengthening of local health services by NGOs, including MSF, is underway, especially to test displaced persons who have symptoms of cholera.
The support is focused on three areas: the northern axis of Rutshuru, the southern axis where the UN has counted 60,000 displaced people in Sake, 65,000 in Minova and 50,000 in Bukavu and at the Rwandan border, where 50,000 displaced people have taken refuge.
.
