Evaluation of the Sustainability of the Knowledge Acquired on Volcanic Risks by the Population of Goma Several Years After the 2002 Eruption of Nyiragongo

Abstract

This study was done from November 2019 to March 2020 and aimed to assess the level of knowledge of the population of Goma about volcanic risks and volcanism several years after the Nyiragongo volcano eruption in January 2002. The population of Goma and the surrounding villages is exposed to volcanic hazards, both during eruptive and non-eruptive activity. To conduct the research, a survey questionnaire has been used to collect data from the population. The data collected in the field reported that the major part of the population of Goma has already experienced an eruptive episode and has already attended an awareness session on volcanism. The location of the sensitisation, the content of the sensitisation message, the process, the language as well as the documentation used during the sensitisation should be adapted to the target population. Almost the entire population surveyed said that an eruption of Nyiragongo is possible and presents enormous dangers for the population of Goma and its surroundings. This population also knows that in the event of an eruption, they will refer to the message of the political and administrative authorities to adopt responsible behaviour. Three-fifths of our respondents have information on the continence plan applicable to the city of Goma.