Nyiragongo, DRC - Volcanic Eruption (hazards)

Question 1

Lava

Answer 1

Flowed in a stream 200-1000 metres deep through Goma. Quickly engulfed the city, destroyed 80% of commercial infrastructure - causing evacuation. Lava also covered Goma International Airports runway.

Question 2

Gases emitted by eruption

Answer 2

Caused 245 deaths and poisonous gases caused acid rain which affected farmland and cattle

Question 3

Spread of disease occurred

Answer 3

Namely cholera due to lack of sanitation in refugee areas

Question 4

Why are the people of Goma so vulnerable?

Answer 4

Due to their lack of development, unrest in society, lack of money to invest into defences

Question 5

Why do people choose to live there?

Answer 5

Diaspora, opportunities of employment in the city, inability to live elsewhere and escaping persecution elsewhere in Africa

Question 6

What other hazards affect the area?

Answer 6

Located on a hotspot on the West African Rift Valley

Question 7

Earthquake prone area

Answer 7

E.g 2016 4.8 magnitude earthquake, killed 6 people

Question 8

Wet season, rainy season

Answer 8

Runs from April to October in north and November to march in south. Landslides and flooding also occur which impacts travel

Question 9

DRC straddles the Equator

Answer 9

Leads to large amounts of precipitation has the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the world

Question 10

How many people were evacuated?

Answer 10

400,000 people were evacuated from Goma