IN PICTURES: Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is weighing up the scale of destruction and human cost of a volcanic eruption. Lava began flowing from Mount Nyiragongo near Goma late Saturday, prompting an evacuation.
Death toll likely to rise
At least 15 people died, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two who burned to death, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said. The death toll could rise as authorities in hard-hit villages continue to assess the damage. A total of 17 outlying villages were hit.
170 children still missing
More than 170 children were feared missing on Sunday as UNICEF officials said they were organizing transit centers to help unaccompanied children in the wake of the disaster. Three health centers, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed.
Thousands flee Goma
The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 people fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday. A further 25,000 others sought refuge to the northwest in Sake, according to UNICEF.
Lava headed for Goma
Some peoplereturned home the night after Mount Nyiragongo erupted, sending dangerous lava flows in the direction of the nearby city of Goma. There were fears that lava could flow around 20 km (12.5 miles) to the lakeside city, but the flows stopped just short.
Limited access for relief work
Lava crossed a main road running north of Goma, severing a key aid and supply route, and the city's principal supply of electricity, delivered by the Congolese Water and Electricity Distribution Company, was cut.
What's next?
The government has sent a delegation to Goma to help the disaster response efforts. But authorities have warned that the danger is not yet over and that seismic activity in the area could cause further lava flows.