Mount Nyiragongo Flashcards
(20 cards)
When did Mount Nyiragongo erupt?
January 2002
What was the magnitude of the eruption in 2002?
The eruption created a 13 km fissure on the southern flank of the volcano but was not very violent (VEI 1).
What significant event occurred after the eruption?
Significant looting occurred after buildings were abandoned.
Why did looters abandon buildings?
Looters had lost income and/or essential supplies.
How much warning was there before the eruption?
There was very little warning of the eruption.
What enabled most people to evacuate before the eruption?
Local authorities issued a prompt ‘Red Alert’ for Goma.
What type of aid did the UN provide?
The UN provided humanitarian aid, such as emergency food supplies and camps for displaced people.
What was the cost of the UN’s humanitarian aid?
Approximately $15 million.
Where is Mount Nyiragongo located?
In the Virunga Mountains in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in central Africa.
What is unique about the lava from Mount Nyiragongo?
Lava from Mount Nyiragongo is very fluid and can flow downhill very rapidly.
What is the Goma region known for?
It is a fertile agricultural region due to its high altitude and fertile soils.
What challenge did the runway at Goma airport face?
The runway was partially covered, making response efforts by air more challenging.
What was contaminated by the lava from Mount Nyiragongo?
Nearby Lake Kivu was contaminated by sulphurous lava, damaging water supplies.
What percentage of Goma was destroyed by lava flows?
1/3 of the town of Goma was destroyed.
What facilities were impacted by the lava flows?
The commercial centre, water and power supplies, and medical facilities including three health centres and a hospital.
How many people died as a result of the eruption?
147 people died.
What were the primary causes of death from the eruption?
Predominantly from inhaling poisonous gases, drinking contaminated water, and buildings collapsing.
How many people evacuated due to the eruption?
350,000 people evacuated.
Where did many evacuees go?
Many evacuated to the neighbouring country of Rwanda.
What problems arose from the evacuation?
There were problems providing sufficient food and shelter to evacuees.
