VOLCANIC ERUPTION IN CONGO
February 11, 2002
Severe storms lashed Congo Friday, February 8, causing deadly flash flooding three weeks after a volcanic eruption incinerated more than half the city of Goma. Nearly 50 people are feared dead, and more than 600 lost their homes. This is in addition to the more than 50 people who died and 10,000 families who were left homeless following the January 17 volcanic eruption.
The storms hit 120 miles south of Goma, bringing torrential rain and flash floods. Government officials said they feared continued heavy rains would cause even worse destruction.
Tens of thousands of people fled January's volcanic eruption. As they return, many find their homes destroyed by the molten rock.
The threat of cholera still looms, and bean fields and other crops are now buried under a hard bed of lava.
The most urgent needs continue to be plastic sheeting for shelter and essential non-food items, such as blankets and kitchen utensils.
Goma was the site of a massive refugee crisis and cholera epidemic after the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In 1977, a fast-moving lava flow from the same volcano killed 2,000 people.
Lutheran World Relief is responding in Congo as a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT), an interchurch emergency alliance. ACT partners are providing water and sanitation supplies, food, plastic sheeting, blankets and cooking utensils for 60,000 people. Among these, special attention is being given to the needs of children and the elderly. ACT members are forming a local team that will work with civil officials and local people on the issue of relocation. Buildings that sustained minor damage are being fixed with sheets of corrugated iron and plastic.
Within the first few days after the eruption, the Lutheran World Federation (also an ACT member) distributed kitchen sets to 700 families in Ruhengeri, as well as 35 rolls of plastic sheeting and 560 blankets to displaced people from Goma. LWF also distributed firewood that was provided by ACT member Christian Aid.
Lutheran World Relief has made a grant of $25,000 to ACT to assist with immediate relief needs in the region.
When disaster strikes, in addition to prayer, the greatest immediate need is cash so that our local partners can quickly and efficiently provide needed assistance.
To contribute to a recovery effort, you may also call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2, or mail a check or money order to:
Lutheran World Relief - Volcano Eruption
PO Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832
Please also consider making an unrestricted donation which will enable LWR to respond quickly to the next emergency
