Red Cross acts to help volcano victims

Details are still unclear, but between 50,000 and 60,000 people are reported to have crossed the border to Gisenyi. Another estimated 300,000 affected people are on the move on the Goma side. Three Rwanda Red Cross teams are carrying out assessments and one more is on its way from Kigali.

The Nyiragongo volcano, in the Democratic Republic of Congo near the border with Rwanda, erupted on January 17, causing widespread damage to the city of Goma.

The International Federation of the Red Cross has released 100,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief. An International Federation Field assessment and coordination team (8 people) is on its way to Kigali (Rwanda) and then to Goma where they will determine operational needs. They should arrive in Kigali tomorrow.

A Federation regional disaster response team (5 people), from the regional delegation, is leaving Nairobi this afternoon and should arrive in Kigali in the early evening.

The Rwanda Red Cross mobilized its volunteers immediately and distributed what little relief goods they had in stock. Up to a thousand Rwanda Red Cross volunteers are available for mobilisation.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is the lead agency on the Congo side - the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies is on the Rwanda side. We are cooperating very closely on this operation.

Ends.