Nyiragongo and Nyamlagira are the most active twin volcanoes on the African continent

These active volcanoes are located in the heart of Africa - in the rift valley in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nearby, the twin brothers are so active that they account for about 40% of all known volcanic eruptions that have occurred in Africa since the moment of observation. During active eruptions, lava flows from these volcanoes reach Lake Kivu, which is located 20-25 kilometers south of them.

Geologically, these two volcanoes belong to the Virunga Mountain System, which is part of the East African Rift Valley. This is a grandiose system of faults and active volcanoes, stretching across the entire African continent. Nyiragongo and Nyamlagira are located at a distance of only a few kilometers from each other, and their bases merge. Despite the close relationship, each of the volcanoes has its own interesting features, and eruptions are observed at different times.

Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo Volcano is located 17 kilometers north of Lake Kivu and rises 3,470 meters above the African tropics. Over the past 135 years, 34 eruptions were recorded, and the last time this formidable, smoking giant erupted in 2012 and since then has regularly shown signs of activity. An interesting feature of the volcano is the presence of liquid lava in the crater.

The lava lake behaves very actively, and during the eruption carries additional risks. When the crater overflows or when its walls are destroyed, the lava breaks out and, having high fluidity, descends down the slope. The speed of such liquid lava flows can reach 100 km / h; therefore, they pose a great danger to the local population. The Africans living in the vicinity of Nyiragongo have repeatedly suffered from a restless neighborhood: especially strong volcanic eruptions lead to mass displacement of people and even deaths. As a result of the 2002 strongest eruption, Nyiragongo Lava reached Lake Kivu and damaged many buildings in the coastal city of Goma.

Nyamlagira

Nyamlagira Volcano is located a little north of its neighbor, but also has an impressive height of 3 058 meters. This volcano is also very active, and since the observation more than 35 volcanic eruptions have been recorded. A characteristic feature of Nyamlagira is that during eruptions it releases a large amount of sulfur into the atmosphere. The presence of a lava lake was also recorded in this volcano, but after a strong eruption, which was observed in the 1938-1940s, lava flowed out and also reached the coast of Lake Kivu, destroying many houses of local residents on its way. The last major eruption of Nyamlagira occurred in 2011.

Despite the potential danger, there are many who wish to get to know these volcanoes better among tourists. Nyamlagira is located in Virunga National Park, and several routes have been developed for tourists.