Red Cross prepares for the worst in Goma
19 february 2002

The Red Cross today warned that as many as 500,000 people are still at risk from Goma's Nyiragongo volcano which erupted last month in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The head of an assessment mission from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Roger Bracke, said today that "any future eruption could prompt massive explosions of methane gas and release a deadly cloud of carbon dioxide over the lakeside town. Volcanic experts tell us that another eruption could happen at any time."

The International Federation is appealing for Euros 3.34 million ($2.8 million) to support a mass evacuation plan, from both sides of the nearby Congolese-Rwandan border, in a combined operation by the Congolese and Rwandan Red Cross Societies.

The first priority of the appeal is to strengthen the early warning capacity of the Red Cross in Goma to facilitate the evacuation of the city - if and when decided by the local authorities. Goma has an estimated population of 500,000. Red Cross emergency communications will be improved on both sides of the border. In Rwanda, provision is being made for the reception by the Red Cross of at least 50,000 people from an anticipated displaced population of 500,000.

"This type of natural disaster is likely to take place in a complex environment where conflict is continuing and socio-economic circumstances are difficult. History tells us that mass movements of people across these borders can happen very suddenly. We need to be prepared for the worst," said Bracke, who previously worked for the Federation as Head of Delegation in Rwanda.

The appeal will also cover the needs of those left destitute and displaced by the last eruption. Support will be provided to 45,000 people in Goma and to those 4,500 people still living in the Mudende camp in Rwanda. Assistance will include shelter, water and sanitation, and basic household items.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

In Geneva :
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service Tel.: + 41 22 730 4428 / +41 79 217 33 57

Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer Tel.: + 41 22 730 4346 / +41 79 217 33 45

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.