The Nyamulagira volcano in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been erupting since Saturday, October 12, the Goma Volcanological Observatory (OVG) confirmed late Monday.
The eruption features an overflow of lava from the crater, which is cascading down the northern, western, and southwestern flanks, according to Charles Balagizi, scientific director of the OVG.
Nyamulagira, also known as Nyamuragira, is an active shield volcano located about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu, within Virunga National Park. Recent satellite imagery indicates the formation of three lava flows, with the most advanced flow extending approximately 7 kilometers.
“A fiery glow is visible at the summit of the Nyamulagira volcano, observed from the city of Goma,” Balagizi told the Congolese Press Agency, the official outlet of the DRC.
As of late Monday, Congolese authorities had not issued any statements regarding the eruption.
Nyamulagira is one of Africa’s most active volcanoes, situated in a region that also includes Nyiragongo, which erupted in May 2021, resulting in at least 32 fatalities.
The OVG noted that Nyamulagira last erupted on March 14, 2023. Historically, the volcano’s activity has not posed a significant threat to Goma, as previous eruptions have typically flowed into Virunga National Park or toward nearby roads.
