Nyamuragira

 

Nyamuragira volcano, located within the Virunga Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a remarkably active basaltic shield volcano. Characterized by its low, broad profile, Nyamuragira boasts a 2 x 2.3 km summit caldera and numerous flank fissures and cinder cones. This geological marvel stands as Africa’s most active volcano, having erupted over 40 times since 1885.

Location: Democratic Republic of Congo
Coordinates: -1.413812, 29.201043
Volcano Type: Shield Volcano

 

Nyamuragira’s Location

 

Nyamuragira’s Latest Status

2024: Currently Active

 

Nyamuragira’s Eruptive History

Year Overview
2023 Ongoing activity, possible small eruptions and changes to the lava lake within the crater.
2022 Ongoing activity, likely including small eruptions and possible lava lake fluctuations.
2021 Formation of a lava lake within the summit crater, ongoing fluctuations in lake level.
2014-2016 Persistent lava lake in the crater, with potential variations in its size and intensity.
2011-2012 Significant flank eruption, 400m lava fountain, creation of new cinder cones, extensive lava flows.
2010 Flank eruption, lava flows extending towards the Virunga National Park.
2006 Eruption reported, details may vary depending on the source.
2004 Eruption beginning in May, marked by an active lava lake in the caldera and a flank fissure eruption with lava flows.
2002 Major eruption causing lava flows, ash fall, and significant displacement of people.
2001 Eruption reported, likely with lava flows and ash emissions.
1998 Eruption reported, details may be limited.
1996 Eruption reported, details may be limited.
1994 Eruption reported, details may be limited.
1989 – 1993 Series of eruptions, potentially with variations in style and intensity.
1986 Major flank eruption, lava flows, and the formation of a lava lake.
1984 Flank eruption with significant lava flows.
1980 – 1982 Eruptive activity, likely including lava flows and potential ash emissions.
1976-1977 Creation of the Murara parasitic cone from a flank eruption, with lava flows and fountaining.
1938-1940 Major eruption with lava flows, draining of previous lava lake, and the formation of a new lava lake.

 

Nyamuragira Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to the Goma Volcano Observatory.

 

Nyamuragira Images