Mt. Nyiragongo (DRC) 2002 eruption Flashcards
1
Q
cause of eruption
A
divergent plate boundary, African plate east african rift valley, intra plate volcano
2
Q
human factors increasing risk
A
- densely populated
- nearly 1/2 million live on slopes
3
Q
social impacts
A
- city of Gorma destroyed by lava
- 14 villages wiped out
- 110 deaths
- 120,000 made homeless
- political instability and civil war
- worries of disease and overcrowding
4
Q
economic impacts
A
- water treatment plan and hospital flattened
- prevented aircraft
- destroyed 80% local economy (farming and livestock)
5
Q
environmental impacts
A
- lake kiva destroyed by lava
- acid rain formed by sulphur dioxide damaged crops and forests, polluted drinking water
6
Q
short term responses
A
-40,000 people evacuated into temporary housing in Ruanda.
7
Q
long term responses
A
- close monitoring and hazard mapping
- leaflets distributed to raise awareness
- education with videos showing early warning and evacuation procedures
