"Nyiragongo volcano: many people have lost their homes"

"In Goma, many people displaced by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano are starting to return to the city due to a lack of reception areas and access to services in displacement zones where temporary shared shelters have been set up, and because they’re afraid their homes in Goma will be broken into and want to return as soon as possible.

Although some businesses have reopened and transport services are up and running again, many homes have been destroyed or damaged.

The needs of people affected by the disaster are immense. They are unable to access health care, housing, both in Goma and in displacement areas, or water, sanitary facilities and food.

Displacement has also given rise to overcrowding, lack of privacy, the breakup of family units and other factors that have exposed the most vulnerable people - women, children and people with disabilities - to the risk of violence and abuse.

HI has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1995 and is currently providing response in aid of the most vulnerable people in North Kivu. The organisation is coordinating a fleet of lorries made available to humanitarian organisations to deliver humanitarian supplies to people who need them. HI is also planning to provide psychosocial support to people affected by the disaster and to distribute kits containing essential household items such as tarpaulins and blankets to make the return home easier,”

says Jérémy Mouton, Humanity & Inclusion (HI's) Emergency Watch and Preparedness Officer.