CRISIS MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDY OF NYIRAGONGO VOLCANO ERUPTION 2021 IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Abstract

On 22nd May 2021, Nyiragongo volcano situated eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), erupted at 19:00 local time. Mount Nyiragongo, lies in the volcano region
of Virunga National Park, near the border with Rwanda, 12 miles (19 km) north of Goma.
Nyiragongo is known for its devastating eruptions (Rafferty, 2021). Increased volcanic
activity earlier this year suggested an eruption was possible, but the Goma Volcano
Observatory’s functions were hampered by funding cuts (Salazar, 2021). Prior to the
eruption, no public statement was made about a potential eruption of Nyiragongo volcano,
the population was directly confronted to the disaster without any preparations. Driven by
a general sense of fear and panic, people rushed away from lava flows in all directions,
which created intense traffic jams.
32 people died as a direct result of the eruption (either burned by the lava or
asphyxiated by fumes), including three children (UNICEF, 2021a). The Government
Spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Muyaya declared that 9 persons were dead in traffic (Sengenya,
2021). 450,000 people were displaced and evacuated after the Nyiragongo volcano erupts.
On 23rd May 2021, DRC Government activates contingency plan and set up a crisis cell,
comprising local authorities, the UN and the RCRC (Red Cross and Red Crescent)
Movement (IFRC, 2021). The volcanic eruption comes at a time of acute ancillary
humanitarian need in North Kivu and Ituri. A State of Siege was declared by the
Government to be in force in the two provinces since early May (2021). Some 44 per cent
of the 5.04 million IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) in DRC are currently located in
North Kivu. 3.2 million people are already in dire need of food assistance in a province
that has the highest protection incidences (5,856) in the country (OCHA, 2021).
To understand the circumstances and events that have influenced volcanic crisis
management and emergency planning, the current research explored various aspects that
have shaped the crisis management of the Nyiragongo volcano eruption 2021 in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To do that, a survey was conducted on 5000 people
from Goma city including Nyiragongo. Eleven aspects were addressed in this survey: 1)
facts about the Nyiragongo volcano environment and activity; 2) preparedness and early
warning system; 3) contingency planning (emergency planning); 4) security and political
context; 5) socio-economic realities; 6) health situation and COVID-19; 7) shelter, water,
sanitation, and hygiene; 8) communication; 9) access and accessibility; 10) community and
national engagement; and 11) international support. Although there is emergency planning
for eventual volcano eruption in DRC; this research revealed that existing realities in the
country made it so difficult to adapt and implement it in the field. Armed conflicts, poverty,
malnutrition, COVID-19; all these complex facts have contributed to the volcano crisis
management 2021 in DRC and much more. Therefore, this paper will be an important tool
in developing effective preparedness and response planning for potential volcano
eruptions. It will suggest also, an evidence-based source in volcano crisis management for
tomorrow’s workforce in DRC and worldwide.