Hospitals Overwhelmed in DR Congo, Food Running Out: Goma Faces ‘Devastation’
January 30, 2025
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – Hospitals in the eastern city of Goma are overwhelmed and facing a critical shortage of supplies as the city grapples with the aftermath of a devastating volcanic eruption that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Mount Nyiragongo erupted on Saturday, spewing lava and ash into the night sky and sending residents fleeing for their lives. The eruption has destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and left many people injured and without food or water.
Hospitals in Goma are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, many of whom have suffered severe burns or respiratory problems. Doctors say they are running out of essential supplies, including bandages, antibiotics, and pain medication.
“We are overwhelmed,” said Dr. Jean-Paul Muhindo, director of Goma’s main hospital. “We have more than 1,000 patients here, and we are running out of everything.”
Food supplies are also running low in the city. Many shops and markets were destroyed by the eruption, and roads have been blocked by lava flows, making it difficult to bring in food supplies.
“We are facing a humanitarian crisis,” said Jean-Luc Sibomana, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Goma. “People are in desperate need of food, water, and shelter.”
The United Nations is appealing for international assistance to help the people of Goma. The UN estimates that more than 400,000 people have been displaced by the eruption, and that the number is likely to rise in the coming days.
Aid agencies are working to set up refugee camps and provide food, water, and medical care to the displaced population. But they say that more resources are urgently needed.
“We are doing everything we can, but we need more help,” said Sibomana. “The people of Goma need our support now.”
The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have hit the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent months. The country is also facing an ongoing Ebola outbreak and a severe food crisis.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a state of emergency in Goma and the surrounding area. The government is working with aid agencies to provide assistance to those affected by the eruption.
But the challenges facing Goma are immense. The city is already struggling to cope with the large number of displaced people, and the food and medical supply shortages are likely to worsen in the coming days.
“The situation is critical,” said Muhindo. “We need help now.”
Hospitals overwhelmed in DR Congo, food running out: Goma faces ‘devastation’
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