Mt Nyiragongo is one of the world's most deadliest volcanoes. Located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it threatens over 1.6 million people. The most recent eruption of Nyiragongo on the 22nd of May 2021, took the population by surprise and left 25,000 people without homes; unfortunately, many months later, thousands remain homeless.
But why aren’t the local volcanology department able to do this? Goma sits in a difficult position of conflict. Unfortunately, the temperamental political situation and internal corruption problems mean that the volcanology department is hugely underfunded and money is often problematic.
UK explorer and Volcano specialist Christopher Horsley is pursuing the installation of live stream data monitoring systems that are currently lacking or not fit for purpose due to corruption and ongoing conflict.
This project is to install an already-designed camera monitoring system and to get a first-hand look at the current situation as well as collecting media and videos for a larger fundraising project later this year to assist with rebuilding homes that were lost.
The development of an early warning system is vital for making the right calls for evacuation, this can only be done if an accurate live stream data option is available.
Previous attempts at camera installation have proved difficult due to weather and connection issues in harsh volcanic conditions.
Due to a massive leap in mobile data technology and weatherproof camera housing, I have successfully installed a live stream camera to the summit of the volcano; this trial system has now been running successfully for six months but requires a one-off update (on position and how the image transmission works).
I plan to install a new live time-lapse system on the summit of Mt Nyiragongo. This will be part of the on-going efforts to establish a network of live monitoring and the opportunity to live stream data from the summit of Mt Nyamuragira, just 16km away. Mt Nyamuragira is largely undocumented in its behaviour due to its challenging location.
I have invested over £8,000 in camera system trials and hardware. The second system is now ready for installation, and I would love for this story to be covered, allowing continued efforts to make this volcano as safe as possible for the surrounding population of Goma.
MEDIA: This story would generate excellent traction worldwide as a 'call-to-help' for better monitoring and help to those who need it most. Over the last eight years, many of my projects have attracted international media attention; due to this project's scope, I will be dedicating the next year to volcanic infrastructure and rebuilding homes lost to the last eruption.
BRANDS: This project could gain maximum traction if the support of brands and social media platforms could assist in recognising the severity of this situation.
My ultimate aim is to make this volcano the safest as possible. This is one small step in a massive task, but hopefully, with the proper media attention and financial support, more systems can be installed and monitored correctly.
The support of this project will also help the vital secondary goal, which is to provide homes to those who have been displaced and are still living in temporary shelters for nearly a year.
If you aren’t able to support this project directly, I thank you for your time in reading, and if you know of someone or an organisation that would be able to assist, I welcome you to share.
All photography ©️Christopher Horsley