Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is famous for its persistent lava lake near Goma. The steep stratovolcano lies in the Virunga Mountains, close to the city and near the border with Rwanda.
Its unusually fluid lava can move rapidly down steep slopes, making eruptions especially dangerous. In 1977, lava escaped from the summit area and killed hundreds of people. In January 1977, the lava lake drained rapidly, although the exact death toll remains uncertain.
A major eruption in 2002 sent lava into Goma, destroying buildings and displacing large numbers of residents. Another eruption began on 22 May 2021, when lava again entered parts of the city and nearby settlements.
Nyiragongo is often confused with neighbouring Nyamuragira. Both are active Virunga volcanoes, but Nyiragongo is particularly renowned for its lava lake and highly fluid lava. Their activity reflects tectonic extension in the East African Rift system.