Fast-flowing lava devours homes in Goma. Nyiragongo volcano eruption. Congo.
A new flank eruption started at Nyiragongo volcano around 17:15 UTC on Saturday,
May 22, 2021, producing fast-flowing lava flows that
reached inhabited areas. Hundreds of homes and other structures were destroyed.
According to the Toulouse VAAC, volcanic ash cloud rose
to an estimated height of 13.7 km (45 000 feet) above sea level
by 21:00 UTC. The government held an emergency meeting late Saturday
and activated an evacuation plan. While initial assessment of
the eruption showed lava was not flowing toward the city of Goma
(population 670 000), new fissures opened on the eastern flank of
the volcano several hours after the eruption started, producing
fast-flowing lava toward the city. Lava reached the city's airport
late Saturday (LT), May 22, and engulfed an unknown number of homes
and other structures in nearby villages. Judging by aerial imagery
made by Virunga Alliance early Sunday morning, hundreds of homes were destroyed.
The power is reportedly out across much of the city.
Panic spread quickly through the city after a huge glow produced
by the eruption. Lava had stopped short of Goma's airport and
the city limits but surrounding villages were hit, he said, adding
that lava crossed the main road out of Goma, cutting it off from
cities to the north and causing traffic chaos. According to Rwanda's
Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, more than 3 500 people
have crossed into the country. They are reportedly in schools
and places of worship. According to the Toulouse VAAC, volcanic
ash cloud rose to an estimated height of 13.7 km (45 000 feet) above
sea level by 21:00 UTC. The center raised the Aviation Color Code
to Red at 21:02 UTC on May 22. Ash cloud was estimated under 9.
km (30 000 feet) at 03:00 UTC on May 23. Nyiragongo is known
to produce the fastest lava flows on the planet, with speeds
exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph).
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