Go to main content

"Nyiragongo volcano: many people have lost their homes"

Emergency
Democratic Republic of Congo

Testimony of Jérémy Mouton, Humanity & Inclusion (HI)'s Emergency Watch and Preparedness Officer, in the Democratic Republic of Congo 

After the volcano Nyiragongo in Goma, DRC

After the volcano Nyiragongo in Goma, DRC | © HI

"In Goma, many people displaced by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano are starting to return to the city due to a lack of reception areas and access to services in displacement zones where temporary shared shelters have been set up, and because they’re afraid their homes in Goma will be broken into and want to return as soon as possible.

Although some businesses have reopened and transport services are up and running again, many homes have been destroyed or damaged.
The needs of people affected by the disaster are immense. They are unable to access health care, housing, both in Goma and in displacement areas, or water, sanitary facilities and food. 
Displacement has also given rise to overcrowding, lack of privacy, the breakup of family units and other factors that have exposed the most vulnerable people - women, children and people with disabilities - to the risk of violence and abuse.

HI has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1995 and is currently providing response in aid of the most vulnerable people in North Kivu. The organisation is coordinating a fleet of lorries made available to humanitarian organisations to deliver humanitarian supplies to people who need them. HI is also planning to provide psychosocial support to people affected by the disaster and to distribute kits containing essential household items such as tarpaulins and blankets to make the return home easier.”

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Alexandra Buskie

Help them
concretely

To go further

Sudan: Stimulation therapy helps Sadia’s children overcome the effects of malnutrition
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Sudan: Stimulation therapy helps Sadia’s children overcome the effects of malnutrition

21.2 million Sudanese are facing acute hunger due to the war.¹ For young children, this heightens the risk of lasting developmental delays.

Sudan: Ahmed, victim of the war’s brutal violence
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Sudan: Ahmed, victim of the war’s brutal violence

A lack of timely medical care often turns war injuries into permanent disabilities, as in Ahmed’s case, who lost his leg after being shot.

HI launches disposal operations in Yemen
© HI
Emergency Explosive weapons

HI launches disposal operations in Yemen

HI Explosive Disposal Manager Loedwig Voges oversees HI teams who safely remove explosive hazards so that civilians can live without the constant fear of an accident. He explains HI’s work.