Alert as threat of volcanic eruption looms in DR Congo

In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on summit of the Nyamulagira volcano, scientists claim to have seen a glow.

The most recent information suggests that it was brought on by magma moving from shallow depths towards the Nyamulagira volcano's crater.

In 2011, Nyamulagira experienced its largest explosion in a century.

It is situated smack dab in the center of the critically endangered mountain gorilla habitat known as Virunga National Park.

The Goma Volcano Observatory issued a warning on Monday night that in the event of another eruption, lava would move toward the park.

The city of Goma, which according to UN estimates is home to about 670,000 people, is not presently under threat.

But the observatory noted that wind could blow volcanic ash and strands of cooled lava into populated areas.

It advised the residents of Goma to remain composed and conduct themselves as usual.

Residents have been encouraged to wash their produce and use water that has been stored, and airlines have been advised to take the wind direction into account when flying over the Virunga area.

After Mount Nyiragongo erupted in May 2021, tens of thousands of people were evacuated from the metropolis of Goma.