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Seismic activity rising steeply on Mt Nyamuragira

[DRC] Goma volcano WHO
Lave du Mt Nyiragongo enveloppant le centre commercial de Goma en janvier 2002
    NAIROBI

    Scientists at the Goma Volcano Observatory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo said on Thursday that seismic activity was increasing "very fast" on Mt Nyamuragira, which could erupt in a "matter of weeks, or even days".

    The observatory said its scientists were trying to forecast the eruption "and prevent possible panic". Local authorities, UN agencies and NGOs would be informed, it said.

    Seismic stations at Luboga, Katale and Kunene have been observing the activity. The observatory reported that a spasmodic tremor had been observed on 19 and 23 February with "a strong quake" located in the crater.

    Mt Nyamuragira erupted in 2001 without causing casualties. However, the nearby Mt Nyiragongo erupted on 17 January 2002, causing up to 350,000 people to flee Goma.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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