Volcanic case study

• What is the name of the recent volcanic event discussed?

  Mount Nyiragongo
• What key facts should be noted about Mount Nyiragongo's eruption?

  • Date: January 2002
  • Time: 7 PM
  • Magnitude: 4.0 on the VEI
  • Location: Near Goma, DRC
• What type of volcano is Mount Nyiragongo and where is it located?

  It is a composite volcano located in the east of the DRC.
• How wide is the crater of Mount Nyiragongo?

  2 km wide
• What type of plate boundary is Mount Nyiragongo located on?

  It is located on a constructive plate boundary.
• What type of lava is produced during eruptions at Mount Nyiragongo?

  The lava is basaltic with a low viscosity.
• When did the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo occur?

  In January 2002
• What was the magnitude of the Mount Nyiragongo eruption on the VEI?

  4.0
• What is the geographical context of Mount Nyiragongo?

  • Located in Virunga National Park, Congo (Kinshasa)
  • Near the border with Rwanda
  • 12 miles (19 km) north of Goma
• What causes the rise of lava at Mount Nyiragongo?

  The rise of lava is caused by the African plate pulling apart from the Somali and Nubian plates.
• What geological feature is associated with the eruptions at Mount Nyiragongo?

  The East African Rift and a large magma plume situated below it.
• How do local people in Goma perceive the danger of Mount Nyiragongo?

  They believe it to be very dangerous to a high degree.
• What prediction was made by the local people regarding the eruption?

  They predicted an eruption in March 2001 due to anomalous seismic activity.
• What significant events occurred at Mount Nyiragongo between 1894 and 2002?

  • 1977 eruption
  • Active lava lake in the crater between 1894 and 1977
  • Eruptions in 1982–1983 and 1994 reformed lava lakes
• What localized threat has been reported in the area surrounding Mount Nyiragongo?

  Localized carbon dioxide toxicity, known locally as 'mazuku'.
• When did the most recent eruption of Mount Nyiragongo occur?

  In 2021
• What were the primary social impacts of the 2002 Mount Nyiragongo eruption?

  • 200 deaths
  • Majority caused by carbon monoxide poisoning
  • 400,000 people evacuated
  • Overcrowded refugee camps
• What economic impact did the eruption have on Goma?

  15% of Goma was covered in lava.
• What percentage of Goma airport's airstrips were covered in lava?

  80%
• What agricultural impact did the eruption have?

  Lava destroyed crops.
• What social issue arose due to the eruption in Goma?

  Looting of shops occurred.
• What were the environmental impacts of the eruption?

  • Trees were destroyed by lava
  • Groundwater contamination
  • Acid rain
  • Spread of disease through overcrowding
• What was the initial response to the eruption in terms of evacuation?

  400,000 people were evacuated, but the pace was slow until smoke plumes were visible.
• What aid did the UN provide after the eruption?

  The UN sent 260 tonnes of food to the affected area within a week.
• What assistance did Oxfam provide to the affected population?

  Oxfam sent 33 tonnes of water cleansing equipment for 50,000 people.
• What health response was conducted by WHO and MSF?

  They conducted emergency measles vaccinations for 28,000 children in refugee camps.
• How much aid did governments around the world provide for refugees?

  Governments provided $35 million in aid.
• What preparations were made for future eruptions after the 2002 event?

  • Thirty new signs detailing early warning signs were put up
  • Evacuation routes were mapped
  • Communities and schools conducted evacuation drills
• What need did the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies express?

  They expressed a need for more funding to release further educational materials.
• What planning measures were taken for community officials after the eruption?

  • Officials were retrained and provided with evacuation plans
  • Each official was assigned a designated community to support
• What monitoring measures are in place for Mount Nyiragongo?

  Volcanologists measure carbon dioxide emissions to predict lethal levels.
• What is the purpose of the Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma?

  It constantly monitors the volcano.
• How can the lava lake in Mount Nyiragongo be monitored?

  The large lava lake is visible from above, allowing careful monitoring of its levels.
• What mitigation strategies were implemented after the eruption?

  • Set up evacuation zones away from the volcano
  • Block lava flows with concrete blocks
  • Divert lava away from villages
• What urban planning measures were taken to enhance resilience to volcanic hazards?

  • Zoning restrictions to prevent construction in high-risk areas
  • Plans to redirect future lava flows away from populated areas
• What international support was received for rebuilding efforts?

  • Aid from the United Nations
  • Funds from the World Bank
  • Support from non-governmental organizations