DR CONGO: An explosion at a petrol station set off by hot lava killed looters in Congo's volcano-stricken Goma town yesterday. The blast added further tragedy to Goma's inferno-like landscape which was dotted with residents picking their way through mounds of lava to hunt for food and clean water.
A witness said men and women had been pouring fuel from large drums into smaller ones when some spilled liquid appeared to trickle onto hot lava, setting the garage ablaze. "There were about 50 to 60 people inside," he said. "Nobody could have escaped."
There was no immediate confirmation and reporters who peered into the blazing wreckage from 30 metres away said it was impossible to gauge the extent of casualties. People were heard screaming as they ran from the fire.
Days after Mount Nyiragongo's eruption sluggish undercurrents of white-hot lava were still slowly entering Lake Kivu, the solidified surface collapsing on its banks to reveal the moving magma. But experts said only gravity was now moving the slurry after the original eruption tapered off during the weekend.
Goma has been in ruins since the 3,469-metre mountain began sending lava through the town last Thursday, forcing its inhabitants to flee to Gisenyi. Ignoring the risk of further eruptions and aid agency offers of accommodation and food, tens of thousands of people streamed back into Goma, picking their way across lava in a desperate attempt to reach their homes. Aid agencies said the unexpected mass return to Goma had shattered plans for food and water distribution. They had planned to run big camps inside Rwanda, away from the lava.
The United Nations said it was extremely concerned that the volcano could erupt again. Violent tremors shook the region again yesterday, driving many residents to leave shelter for fear of being crushed by collapsing structures.
Paul Cullen adds: Ireland is to provide €800,000 for humanitarian assistance, the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, announced. Meanwhile, relief staff from Irish agencies have begun arriving in the affected area. Goal has sent a medical and logistical team from South Sudan.
Concern has dispatched a charter carrying 42 tonnes of emergency supplies. Trócaire announced an initial allocation of €60,000 to its local partner, Caritas Goma. The agency says €30,000 in emergency relief aid has already been sourced and distributed. Goal, Concern and Unicef Ireland have launched appeals for funds.
The Irish Red Cross has already donated €20,000 as an immediate response and has called for support for the International Red Cross appeal.