Life after the volcanic eruption in Goma

Rush to help

The eruption also damaged water supplies in the city. In situations like this, the most effective way to provide clean water is through water trucks. These trucks are driven from areas where there is water available, on a regular basis, to cover until long-term measures can be put in place.

Tearfund has been organising this so that thousands of vulnerable people can have access to safe water. We have also built toilets and showers where people who have been displaced are staying, enabling them to live with dignity.

Alongside this, we continue to train people to share messages on hygiene and sanitation to keep people safe from waterborne illnesses, and are providing kits for people with the essentials they need, such as soap and sanitary items.

God at work

‘We praise God that we were able to get funding to allow us to reach people in need in the immediate aftermath of the eruption of the volcano,’ shares Hebdavi Muhindo, who leads Tearfund’s work in the DRC.

‘Thanks to this, we were able to act quickly and meet the needs of thousands of people who had nothing.’

‘While life is beginning to return to normal in Goma – which we thank God for – the volcanic eruption was incredibly frightening for all involved. Those who haven’t been able to return to their homes face the ongoing stress of living in temporary accommodation,’ says Hebdavi.

‘Please keep the people of Goma in your prayers as we do everything we can to help them rebuild their lives.’