The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is facing yet another humanitarian emergency, this time fueled not by armed conflict, but by the forces of nature. A recent volcanic eruption near the city of Goma has displaced tens of thousands, destroyed homes and livelihoods, and created an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
As lava flowed from Mount Nyiragongo, one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in Africa, panic swept through Goma and surrounding areas. Families fled their homes in the dead of night, trying to escape the advancing lava and choking clouds of smoke and ash. The eruption caught many by surprise, and the resulting chaos has left countless people exposed to hunger, thirst, and disease.
A Sudden Disaster With Lasting Impact
Mount Nyiragongo, located in North Kivu province, erupted with little warning, sending rivers of lava down its slopes. Entire neighborhoods on the outskirts of Goma were destroyed. Infrastructure including roads, power lines, and water facilities were badly damaged, cutting off critical services for thousands.
More than 400,000 people were forced to flee—many of them already vulnerable from the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. Most fled on foot, carrying what little they could. Some found shelter with relatives or in schools and churches, but tens of thousands are now living in the open, without access to clean water, food, or medical care.
The eruption has also triggered a rise in respiratory illnesses due to ash inhalation, particularly among children and the elderly. Contaminated water sources have increased the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases. For a population already burdened by conflict and displacement, the eruption has made an already fragile situation even more precarious.
ADIYUVA’s Emergency Response
In response to this escalating crisis, ADIYUVA has mobilized emergency aid for the affected communities in and around Goma. With a commitment of €150,000 in immediate assistance, our teams are on the ground working alongside local partners to meet the most urgent needs.
Our emergency response includes:
- Distributing food parcels to families without access to markets or cooking supplies
- Providing clean drinking water and water purification tablets to prevent disease
- Delivering hygiene kits including soap, menstrual products, and basic medical items
- Supplying tarpaulins and tents to those who lost their homes or are sheltering outdoors
- Supporting health clinics to treat injuries, respiratory conditions, and infections
For ADIYUVA, this response builds on years of experience in DR Congo, where we have been working in the areas of food security, health, WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene), and emergency relief. Our goal is not only to meet immediate needs but also to support long-term recovery as communities begin to rebuild.
Compounding an Ongoing Crisis
It is important to recognize that this disaster has not occurred in isolation. DR Congo is already dealing with one of the world’s most complex and underfunded humanitarian crises. With over 6.9 million internally displaced people, chronic poverty, and frequent outbreaks of disease, the volcanic eruption has only added to the country’s challenges.
The eruption also risks reigniting regional tensions, as thousands flee across borders into Rwanda and other neighboring countries, adding strain to already limited resources and infrastructure.
A Call for Solidarity and Support
This is a moment that calls for global attention. The people of DR Congo are resilient, but they cannot face this crisis alone. Governments, international donors, and humanitarian organizations must come together to deliver sustained and coordinated aid.
This eruption has destroyed homes and torn families apart,” said an ADIYUVA spokesperson. “We must act swiftly to ensure that no one is left behind in this disaster