KINSHASA, May 25 (NNN-IRIN) – The death toll linked to the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo volcano, on Saturday, in the north-eastern province of North Kivu, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has risen to 32, and is likely to further rise, the DRC authorities said yesterday.
Among the victims, nine were burned to death, when lava hit their homes, and five died from inhaling smoke or toxic gas, when walking across the cooling lava, said Joseph Makundi, head of civil protection of the province.
Another 14 people were killed in a truck rollover accident, while four other victims were prisoners trying to break the Munzenze central prison in Goma, capital of North Kivu, added the official.
A government delegation arrived in Goma yesterday, to assess the situation and provide humanitarian, health and security services.
Although the lava flow has stopped short of Goma, seismic movements are still noticeable, causing cracks in local households. Provincial authorities urged residents of the red zone, to follow orders, and not to return to their homes.
