when did the nyiragongo volcano first erupt
2002 Eruption A fissure eruption began at Nyiragongo volcano on 17th January 2002. Multiple lava flows entered the town of Goma, 18 km south of the volcano. A system of fractures opened up on the volcano and extended down to Lake Kivu. 147 people were killed, 60,000 people lost homes, and up to 500,000 were evacuated. Lava flows reached Lake Kivu.