[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.