Written question asked by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 24 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 May 2021 (named day). It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 May 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Volcanoes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to provide emergency aid funding in response to the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answer: The UK in one of the largest humanitarian donors in DRC. In response to the recent eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, UK-funded partners are already on the ground providing emergency support. The International Federation of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Emergency Fund is providing first aid, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and psychological support and working to restore family units. The International Committee of the Red Cross, one of our major humanitarian partners, is providing support for unaccompanied children and the UN Humanitarian Air Service is providing vital reconnaissance flights in the area. We are working closely with the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs and our humanitarian partners to monitor the situation, assess the impact, and deliver further assistance if required.

Secondary information