Following the volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo in North Kivu on Saturday 22 May 2021, more than 3500 Congolese crossed the Rwandan-Congolese border to seek refuge in the town of Gisenyi, in the district of Rubavu.
Around midnight, a large mass of Congolese crossed into Rwanda after the opening of the Great Barrier in Rubavu. They were gathered at the Rubavu stadium.
The Rwandan ministry in charge of emergency management (MINEMA) announced the reception of more than 3500 Congolese refugees in the town of Gisenyi, in Rubavu. According to the Ministry, the emergency plan is activated to ensure security and humanitarian services.
The Rwandan Red Cross (RRC), as a humanitarian organization, intervened with volunteers and strategic stock in Rubavu.
“Water for drinking was distributed during the night, separated families were put back together, mats were offered to the children to sleep on and in the morning masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus were offered to the refugees,” says Flavier Nshimiyimana, RRC Focal Point in Rubavu.
On Sunday 23 May, some Congolese are starting to return home as the lava flow has stopped.
The last volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo was in 2002. It killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, according to BBC.
Gérard Rugambwa
