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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 24 May 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 June 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Volcanoes

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the eruption of the Mount Nyiragongo volcano on 22 May, what assessment they have made of the impact on the (1) inhabitants, and (2) environment, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Answer

Following the eruption of Mount Nyirangongo on 22 May, assessments show that around 4500 households have been displaced, 31 people killed during subsequent panic and evacuation, and water and electricity supplies to certain areas of Goma have been damaged. On 27 May, the North Kivu Governor announced the mandatory evacuation of ten neighbourhoods in eastern Goma citing the risks of further fissures and poisonous gas release. Thousands of people have been moving to the towns of Bukavu and Sake, and across the border to Rwanda. UK-funded partners are providing emergency support and first aid to those affected by the eruption and we are working closely with the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo, UN and humanitarian partners to monitor the situation, assess the impact, and deliver further assistance if required.

An assessment of the environmental impact will take longer as volcanic activity still continues and the full impact is yet to be realised. Release of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases is a cause of concern given Goma's proximity to the source of the eruption. Volcanic eruptions are known to cause respiratory and other health hazards (from ash) and to result in degradation of water quality and soil and an increase in temperatures.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL531
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Democratic Republic of the Congo Volcanoes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk