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

Jahanzeb Hussain

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

Afghanistan: Recovering After the Earthquake
© D. Gordon / HI
Emergency Health Rehabilitation

Afghanistan: Recovering After the Earthquake

At the end of August, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. For two months, HI teams have been working to help people recover from their injuries.

Emergency in the Philippines: The Archipelago Plunged Into Chaos Once Again
© HI Philippines
Emergency

Emergency in the Philippines: The Archipelago Plunged Into Chaos Once Again

For the 20th time in 2025, the Philippines is facing an extremely violent typhoon: Kalmaegi is the deadliest of the year, with catastrophic consequences.

Tropical storm Melissa hits the Caribbean with full force
© B. Almeras / HI
Emergency

Tropical storm Melissa hits the Caribbean with full force

In Haiti and Cuba, where HI teams are based, the damage is considerable. There are fears that humanitarian needs will skyrocket.