Another volcanic eruption likely for DR Congo

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Mount Nyiragongo, which erupted last week, killing at least 32 people and displacing 5,000, is likely to have another volcanic eruption in the coming days, warned the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization headquartered in New York.

In a statement on Wednesday, the organization said several warning signs of a new eruption have emerged, including multiple cracks on the ground, emissions of gas and the worrying fact that the Kivu crater seems to have refilled very fast.

It said the situation remains highly unpredictable as the researchers observing the volcano have a limited sense of the current risk level.

The humanitarian organization said more than 200 tremors have been experienced in the area in the past two days.

The earthquakes have destroyed buildings, homes and other infrastructure in the city of Goma, located 12 kilometers from the volcano.

Acidic rains resulting from the volcanic eruption as well as volcanic dust also pose continued health risks to the city residents.

The International Rescue Committee said many people are sleeping outside due to fear of buildings collapsing because of cracks.

"Widespread fear has led more residents to flee the city, in addition to the 30,000 people who left after the eruption this weekend. Families have been separated and more than 170 children are still feared missing," the organization said.

The volcanic eruption has left 20,000 people homeless and 40 adults have been reported missing, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Wednesday.

The flowing lava destroyed three villages and one neighborhood in the city of Goma as well as three health structures and 12 primary and secondary schools.

The UN agency warned that ash emanating from the eruption may cause respiratory diseases.

The road between Goma and Rutshuru, one of the three major commercial axis areas and key for delivery of humanitarian assistance to other places, remains blocked.

"The lava is too hot to be removed for the moment," the UN agency said.

The Goma International Airport and Bukavu airport have been closed due to the ash cloud resulting from the eruption.

"It will be difficult to fly in assistance, reinforce teams or evacuate staff, which will impact the humanitarian response," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

Commercial banks have also been closed, raising concerns of difficulties in accessing cash for both merchants and customers.

The DR Congo authorities have advised the community to remain vigilant and stay out of the red zone - the lava path of the 2002 eruption.

The International Rescue Committee said it's preparing a response to meet the escalating humanitarian needs in collaboration with the government and other nongovernmental organizations.

"There is now a desperate need for an increase in funding and support from the international community," the organization said.

Following the Mount Nyiragongo volcano eruption, the western Rwanda's Rubavu district that borders eastern DR Congo, has also been hit by a series of earthquakes.

The Rwanda seismic monitor said it had recorded earthquakes reaching 5.1 and 4.1 magnitude on Wednesday, originating from Lake Kivu in the Rubavu district.

A series of moderate earthquakes of 4.6 magnitude were also recorded on Tuesday in the district.

The earthquakes have destroyed buildings and infrastructure, according to the Rwanda Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management.

The ministry urged Rwandans to be vigilant, avoid rumors and adhere to instructions and directives from the ministry.

It added that various agencies are continuing to monitor the situation, take action, provide advice and help those affected by the earthquakes.