DR Congo president announces disaster management agency

YAOUNDE, Cameroon

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced the establishment of an agency for natural disaster management and prevention following a volcano eruption last month that claimed over 30 lives and displaced 420,000 people.

Felix Tshisekedi made the announcement in a news conference held on Sunday in Goma, capital of eastern North Kivu province, where he explained that the decision came after the last volcanic eruption of Mt. Nyiragongo on May 22 that also caused extensive material damage.

More than 3,000 houses were destroyed in the eruption which also affected health centers and schools, according to the government.

Tshisekedi visited Goma over the weekend to assess the damage and provide support to the victims of the volcanic eruption.

“We came to listen to the disaster-stricken population of Goma and then try to find solutions to their problem. We have already created an agency for the prevention and management of disasters and also to manage the issue of the volcanic eruption in Goma,” he said.

Tshisekedi added that his delegation will assess “how much help and solace we can provide. Just as we are resolutely committed to rebuilding some houses, we will also have the same determination to repair schools that have been destroyed or damaged.”

Last week, the government announced the slow return of the displaced to Goma. It also provided transportation.