U.S. EMBASSY
KINSHASHA, CONGO
For Immediate Release
Friday, May 28, 2021—
In response the eruption of Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has made available an additional $400,000 to scale up the first phase of emergency assistance. USAID’s contribution, totaling $500,000 and provided thanks to the generous support of the American people, has been awarded to UNICEF to provide access to potable water for the most vulnerable people affected by the crisis and to work to prevent cholera in the affected areas.
“Access to safe water is an urgent need for the thousands of Congolese affected by this crisis,” said Marion Ekpuk, Chargée d’Affaires. “With this additional support to humanitarian efforts, the United States continues to stand by the people and government of the DRC during their hour of need as we evaluate further opportunities to contribute to relief and recovery for the affected communities.”
The eruption of Nyiragongo on May 22 and the two resulting lava flows, destroyed several villages to the north of Goma in North Kivu Province. Current estimates of the severity of the crisis indicate that the volcano killed 32 people; left 40 unaccounted for; destroyed over 3,600 homes, four health centers and six schools; separated families; and displaced thousands of Congolese families. Additionally, the eruption caused significant damage to a critical water pipeline—affecting more than 500,000 Goma residents.
The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing more than $131 million in Fiscal Year 2021 to date. For the latest updates on USAID’s humanitarian assistance in the DRC, visit Democratic Republic of the Congo | Humanitarian Assistance | US Agency for International Development.
