Volcano Victims Return to Goma

Five days after Mount Nyiragongo erupted, and despite the risks posed by the lava and earth tremors, many of the thousands of people who had fled the city of Goma are returning.

Among the people returning were Eugene Rutagarama (IGCP Programme Manager) and Marc Languy (WWF Albertine Rift Ecoregion Coordinator). Their goal was to get to their office in order to retrieve some their valuables and to speak with and locate all the ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature), IGCP (International Gorilla Conservation Program), and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) staff. To reach the IGCP office, which had been spared from the lava flow, Rutagarama and Languy had to cross a huge mass of lava, which local people have named the bridge. After crossing the hot lava, they were able to retrieve key items from the IGCP office.

During their trip to Goma, Rutagarama and Languy also located all ICCN, IGCP and WWF staff assessed the damage done by the volcanic eruption. They were able to deny early reports that the town of Goma has been wiped out. Rutagarama reports that people were already actively working to rebuild the town, mostly bulldozers working on hot, still smoking lava to open roads and paths.

The needs are great in Goma. Even though some large sections of town were spared, thousands of lives have been devastated and 30% of the population has been left homeless. Rosy Kabeya, the IGCP Finance and Administrative Assistant, has lost her home and all of her possessions. Other park staff have also been greatly affected. Dr. Annette Lanjouw, Director of IGCP, reports that IGCP is working with its partners and the African Wildlife Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund, and Fauna and Flora International - to provide short term support to all park staff, including food, medicines, clothing, mattresses and blankets.