Nyaragongo

2002/01/22 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Ekologia
• Geologia

Nyaragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. In fact, it is located in the mountains of Virunga, in the set of eight volcanoes aligned in the eastern African fault. In 1994 lava appeared in the crater, but there was no eruption. Last week, however, after a big explosion, lava flows descended 60 kilometers down the slope of the volcano. They have soon killed hundreds of people and have almost completely destroyed the city of Goma. In addition, the lava has exploded a gas station and has killed another 50 people.

Laba reaches Lake Kivu and the risk of water contamination is high. Therefore, along with food, Gomara is maturing devices to make drinking water. According to experts, other eruptions may occur in the coming days, but the risk of explosion of underground gas bags has already been ruled out.