Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Facts

Mount Nyiragongo has one of the largest lava lakes.

Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano in Congo.

The volcano reaches an elevation of 3,470 metres.

The main crater is about two kilometres wide.

The crater usually contains a lava lake inside it.

Lava flows from Nyiragongo can reach speeds of 100 km per hour.

Nyiragongo has erupted at least 34 times since 1882.

The lava lake was scientifically confirmed in 1948.

In 1977, lava flowed at 100 km per hour destroying villages.

The 2002 eruption spread lava through the city of Goma.

About 400,000 people evacuated during the 2002 eruption.

Nyiragongo is monitored by scientists at the Goma Observatory.

A new volcanic vent opened in the crater in 2016.

The 2021 eruption forced thousands to evacuate their homes.

Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira cause 40 percent of Africa's eruptions.