    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [January 25, 2002]
    [Page 119]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Disaster Assistance for Victims of the Eruption of Mount
    Nyiragongo
    January 25, 2002

        On January 17, the people of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the
    Congo suffered from an enormous natural disaster. Many homes, shops,
    roads, and schools were buried, and many lives were lost or disrupted by
    the flow of molten lava from Mount Nyiragongo. The Congolese people have
    shown enormous spirit and resilience, already returning to the land
    where their homes once stood to recover and rebuild.
        I commend President Kabila of Congo and
    President Kagame of Rwanda for working together
    to address the humanitarian needs of the people of Goma who have been
    hurt by this volcanic eruption. The United States will help the victims
    of this disaster, and we have already allocated up to $3 million for
    relief efforts. I have sent a team of experts from the U.S. Agency for
    International Development to the region to assess how this aid can be
    directed most effectively. At the same time, I have ordered the
    immediate dispatch of two relief flights carrying blankets, shelter
    material, and water storage equipment to support the most urgent needs
    of the Congolese people. The United States will continue to work closely
    with the international community to help those affected by this disaster
    to rebuild their town and their lives.