The Goma Volcanological Observatory (OVG) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday confirmed that “current seismic data indicates a movement of magma at shallow depths towards the central crater of Nyamuragira” volcano.
Volcanologists also say they have observed a glow at the top of the Nyamuragira volcano that is caused by a movement of lava at shallow depths towards the central crater of the Nyamuragira volcano, according to the latest data.
Nyamuragira’s last major eruption was in 2011 – its biggest eruption in 100 years.
It is located right in the middle of Virunga national park, which is also home to endangered mountain gorillas.
If a fresh eruption happens, the lava would flow towards the park, the Goma Volcano Observatory warned on Monday evening.
There are currently no threats to the city of Goma, where around 670,000 people live according to UN estimates.
But volcanic ash and strands of cooled lava could be blown by wind into inhabited areas, the observatory added in a statement.
“We recommend that the people of Goma keep calm and go about their business freely,” OVG said.
Residents have been urged to wash vegetables and use stored water, while airlines have also been told to consider the wind direction when flying over the Virunga region.
Nyamuragira, also known as Nyamulagira, is an active shield volcano in the Virunga Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is described as Africa’s most active volcano and has erupted over 40 times since 1885.
CU/abj/APA