Nyiragongo Volcano
nyiragongo.com
Nyiragongo Volcano Eruptions - John Seach
Democratic Republic of Congo
Nyiragongo is one of Africa's most active volcanoes.
Nyiragongo Volcano
1.52°S, 29.25°E
summit elevation 3470 m
Stratovolcano
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.
Adventure Tours
John has been providing unique tours to the world's most active volcanoes since 1989.
More info on tours...
Quick Links
Film and Television
John Seach provides high-quality professional services to the film and television industry with many years volcano filming experience worldwide.
More info...