MSF had staff in the field in DRC when the volcano erupted on January 17, 2001. Additional staff and supplies were immediately dispatched to assist in providing immediate care to the displaced.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, an African state already suffering deeply from years of civil war, has fallen victim to a volcanic eruption. Mount Nyirangongo, on the western border of the country, began erupting on Thursday, January 17, 2001 - the first time since 1977.
MSF updates, reports and press releases concerning this emergency shall be posted on this page for fast reference.
This natural disaster follows on decades of strife in a country that is trying to put an end to its long-suffering civil war. The country has a near non-existent health care system. The infrastucture there is so delapidated, MSF recently described the health care situation as 'catastrophic'.
With the volcanic eruption,there were reports of huge population movements as people fled the threat of the volcano for distant regions and neighbouring countries. MSF staff working in Goma were safely evcuated from the region, although the MSF house and warehouse were detroyed in the lava flow - along with the equipment and materials stored there.
Replacement and additional material - as well as additional staff - have been dispatched from other MSF operations in the country. MSF has initially forecast a minimum six-week intervention in the current emergency and shall review the needs on an ongoing basis.
MSF staff have been working in the DRC since 1981.
MSF reports and press releases
Seven tons of MSF goods arrive in Goma MSF report, January 24 - MSF has brought in seven tons of material to Goma to assist in the relief action there after the explosion of Mount Nyiragongo on January 17. The MSF shipment includes BP5 biscuits, blankets, tents and medication. MSF report
Damage to basic infrastructure slowing aid reaction MSF report, January 22 - The northern access route to the city has been blocked by lava. The airport can only accept small, light planes and so there are severe limitations. MSF prepares for vaccination campaigns in the coming days. MSF report
Staff in Goma apprehensive in days following eruption MSF report, January 22 - From the Head of Mission in Goma: "The people on the ground, including our expatriate and local staff who had to flee from the eruption, are still afraid. Every time there is a tremor, there is a moment of fear until it passes". MSF report
At Goma volcano site, MSF focuses on water and prevention MSF report, January 21 -MSF initial assessments indicate the extent of damage to Goma, DRC. With large numbers of displaced, MSF is preparing water supply solutions and outbreak prevention strategies. MSF report
MSF expands emergency medical relief
to Congolese displaced by volcanic eruption Press release: January 19 - Currently already active on the ground, MSF is sending additional suppies and staff to assist providing care to the displaced population after the explosion of a volcano there. Water supply and disease prevention are key first stages. MSF press release
Lava stream hits Goma, eastern DRC -
possibly 400,000 people displaced MSF report, January 19 - MSF staff were safely evacuated but the office and all supplies were destroyed in the lava flow.
MSF report
More staff en route to volcano site in Goma, DRC MSF report, January 19 - MSF staff are being dispatched to reinforce teams already present on the ground and assisting the displaced people fleeing the lava flow from Mount Nyirangongo.
MSF report
EXTERNAL LINKS MSF is not responsible for content on external sites. All external sites open new browser windows.
At the end of last year, MSF released a report detailing the inadequacies of the DRC medical health system. Based on information gathered by MSF staff in five regions of ,the country, the situation was described as 'catastrophic' with conditions including alarmin death rates in children under the age of five.
In Basankusu - an area very close to the front-line - around 10% of the global population had died over a 12-month period. This rate is five times the norm.
This long-term complex international emergency has been scarcely recognised by the international community. The population, caught in the middle of a civil war, have been suffering for years.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is ground zero of what has been called an 'African world war'. Nearly 20 armed groups - both Congolese and foreign - are vying for political advantage or economic gain. Impoverished despite their country's riches, forgotten by international actors who could possibly offer help, the Congolese people are living out an overwhelming catastrophe.
From the 2000 MSF Activity Report
The following year, MSF detailed MSF action in a country where the health system remains in a state of decay. Far-reaching programs extend basic care to millions.
"Insecurity still reigns in many parts of the DRC... Caught in the middle are the Congolese people ... exposed to diseases already under control or eradicated elsewhere in the world, and to frightening ailments such as sleeping sickness and the plague. Even the most basic health care services are lacking in many areas".
