Lava flows on the flanks of Nyamulagira volcano, large emissions of gas and fine particles, DR Congo

Eruptive activity at Nyamulagira volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo increased on May 17, 2023, leading to lava flows in the Virunga National Park. While the lava flows pose no danger to the population, the volcano is emitting large quantities of gas and fine particles.

• Nyamulagira is located near the Nyiragongo volcano, which erupted in 2021, resulting in 32 deaths and the destruction of 1 000 homes
• While Nyiragongo’s eruption directly threatened the city of Goma, past eruptions of Nyamulagira have been primarily directed towards the Virunga Park or nearby roads

A large glow above the volcano was seen on May 17, related to the presence of lava flows observed inside the central crater of Nyamulagira volcano since May 9, 2023.

Thermal radiation over the crater increased sharply on May 19, indicating an increase in the outpouring of lava but the activity was still confined to the summit.

Effusive activity increased further on May 20, forming two large lobes — one outside the caldera to the west and another to the south.

Although not visible, large quantities of gas and fine particles are emitted by the current eruption at the volcano, as evidenced by satellite images showing enormous quantities of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emitted on May 19 and 20, said Charles Balagizi, Geochemist and Geohazards Researcher at Goma Volcano Observatory (GVO)

“This is why during this period it is strongly recommended to wash vegetables before cooking them, especially for the populations west of Goma city,” Balagizi said.

GVO is urging the population of Goma to remain calm.

2/2 C’est pourquoi en cette période il est fortement conseillé de laver les légumes avant leur cuisson, surtout pour les populations de l'ouest de #Goma ville, #Sake, #Kingi, #Mubambiro, #Rusayo, #Masisi, #Mushaki, #Kirotshe, #Shasha, #Minova,….#Savons_Vivre_Avec_Nos_Volcans

— Charles Balagizi (@CharlesBalagizi) May 20, 2023

Une importante lueur intense est observée au sommet du volcan #Nyamulagira ce soir du 19 mai 2023. Cette lueur est liée à l'éruption en cours à l'intérieur de la caldéra du #Nyamulagira. Les photos montrent une vue depuis le mont Goma.

— Charles Balagizi (@CharlesBalagizi) May 19, 2023

Selon nos données la lave s’oriente dans le Parc National des Virunga. Nous recommandons aux aviateurs de tenir compte de la direction du vent en survolant la région des Virunga. L’usage des eaux de pluie pour le lavage des légumes et sa consommation comme boisson doit étre évité pic.twitter.com/V1a3Zh3nKt

— OBSERVATOIRE VOLCANOLOGIQUE DE GOMA (OVG – GVO) (@ovggoma) May 22, 2023

Nyamulagira is located near the Nyiragongo volcano, which erupted on May 22, 2021, resulting in 32 deaths and the destruction of 1 000 homes.

Mount Nyiragongo erupts, causing nearby residents to flee in panic, DR Congo

Nyiragongo lava flow engulfs hundreds of homes, ash rising up to 13.7 km (45 000 feet) a.s.l., DR Congo

Death toll expected to rise considerably, more than 500 homes destroyed after eruption at Mount Nyiragongo, DR Congo

Geological summary

Africa’s most active volcano, Nyamulagira (also known as Nyamuragira), is a massive high-potassium basaltic shield about 25 km (15.5 miles) N of Lake Kivu and 15 km (9.3 miles) NE of the steep-sided Nyiragongo volcano.

The summit is truncated by a small 2 x 2.3 km (1.24 x 1.43 miles) caldera that has walls up to about 100 m (328 feet) high. Documented eruptions have occurred within the summit caldera, as well as from the numerous flank fissures and cinder cones.

A lava lake in the summit crater, active since at least 1921, drained in 1938, at the time of a major flank eruption.

Recent lava flows extend down the flanks more than 30 km (18.6 miles) from the summit as far as Lake Kivu; extensive lava flows from this volcano have covered 1 500 km² (579.15 mi²) of the western branch of the East African Rift.

This volcano is located within the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage property.

References:

¹ Press releases by Volcanological Observatory of Goma (GVO / OVG) – May 2023

² Nyamulagira – Geological Summary – GVP

Featured image credit: GVO

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