2021 Eruption
A large eruption occurred at Nyiragongo volcano on 22 May 2021. Ash emissions reached 45,000 ft altitude. Evacuations from the city of Goma. Lava flowed towards Rwanda and din not initially threaten Goma.
Status the long-lived lava lake is not certain.
2020 Activity
Lava lake activity continues at the summit of Nyiragongo
volcano in 2020.
2016 Activity
Active lava lake continues at the summit of Nyiragongo volcano in
January 2016.
A second lava lake appeared in the summit crater in March 2016.
2013 Eruptions
Nyiragongo remains active in January 2013 with satellite images
showing hotspots over the volcano, and sulphur dioxide plumes. An
lava lake remains active in the summit crater.
19th April 2009 Update
An increase in volcanic seismic activity has been detected at
Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since
January 2009, recurrent seismic swarms have been detected at Rusayo
seismic station. The volcanic earthquakes have come mainly from
Nyiragongo volcano, which contains an active lava lake. According to
a report by scientists from the volcano observatory in Goma the same
signs that preceded the 1977 and 2002 eruptions have been
identified. The North-Kivu section of the DRC’s Red Cross has set up
an emergency team to monitor the situation, by updating the
contingency plan with regards to volcano eruptions, sensitizing
populations and putting logistic means at their disposal,
identifying sites for the displaced, and updating the warning system
and plan of evacuation of populations. A meeting was organized
between Goma and Gisenyi (Rwanda) branches to prepare coordinated
operations. Since 7th April, 2009 the DRC’s Red Cross, under the
coordination of the Federation, has launched joint operations of
preparation and monitoring for two months in collaboration with the
Red Cross, in order to mitigate the effects of lava flowing to high
risk cities. This operation is expected to be implemented over 2
months, and will be completed by 2nd June 2009.
2002 Eruption
A fissure eruption began at Nyiragongo volcano on 17th
January 2002. Multiple lava flows entered the town of Goma, 18 km
south of the volcano. A system of fractures opened up on the volcano
and extended down to Lake Kivu. 147 people were killed, 60,000
people lost homes, and up to 500,000 were evacuated. Lava flows
reached Lake Kivu. Draining of lava from the eruption caused a 600 m
collapse of the inner crater. 100 earthquakes greater than magnitude
3.5 were recorded near the volcano, beginning 9 hours after the
eruption. The earthquakes were measured on instruments as far away
as China and the South Pole, Antarctica. Earthquakes were felt by
residents of Kigali, Rwanda. On October 24, 2002 a magnitude 6.1
earthquake hit 56 km SW of Nyiragongo volcano. This was the largest
earthquake in the region in 30 years.
Full description of 2002 eruption...
1994-1996
Lava lake reformed in crater after 11 years of inactivity. Stamp
issued in 1989 showed activity.
1982
Lava lake activity resumed at summit on 7th July, following lava
fountaining in the crater 12 days earlier.
1927-1977
Long active lava lake. On 10th January 1977 the lava lake began to
drain through a series of flank fissures. The lava flowed at a
record speed of 60 km/hr. The lava flows were mostly pahoehoe, but
changed to aa near the end. About 70 people were killed and 800 left
homeless. Five days before the eruption, the lava lake had risen to
its highest recorded level. The lava lake took only seven hours to
drain.
Description of 1977 eruption...
1920-1921
Lava lake activity in the summit crater.
1918
Lava lake activity in the summit crater.
1905
Lava lake activity in the summit crater.
1894
First recorded lava lake at Nyiragongo.
John has been providing unique tours to the world's most active
volcanoes since 1989.
More info on tours...
John Seach provides high-quality professional services to the film
and television industry with many years volcano filming experience
worldwide.
More info...