On May 22nd, Mount Nyiragongo volcano erupted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Although the lava flow stopped the following day, there have been repeated earthquakes in the same region, prompting fears of another eruption. At least 28 people have died, and over 170 children are missing. ActionAid has been working in this area for nearly two decades, and is responding immediately with emergency support, while also planning for a longer-term response to support those impacted.
More than 9,000 people have lost their homes as a result of the volcano eruption. Farms and livestock have been destroyed by the lava, and roads, schools, electricity infrastructure, and water tanks have all been affected. Many families have fled to neighboring Rwanda, leaving people on both sides of the border in need of emergency supplies and shelter.
With the generous support of people like you, ActionAid is responding immediately. Building on decades of local partnerships, our response will provide emergency shelter support, food items such as beans and rice, and non-food items such as clothes and anti-mosquito kits. We will also provide educational materials and toys for children who have been impacted by this disaster.
ActionAid's response is community-driven, women-led, and rights-based, which means your donation today invests in change that lasts. In addition to short-term emergency relief, ActionAid is planning a long-term response which will include rebuilding destroyed houses, providing hygiene facilities to mitigate the Covid-19 risk, and raising the awareness of the community on disaster preparedness and mitigation. Your gift helps us respond to this crisis and support human rights around the world.
