Nyiragongo (Zaire) is a stratovolcano with a 1.2 kilometer
wide summit lava lake.
A previous lava lake, first reported by G. A. Von Gotzen on
11 June 1894,
drained suddenly through radial fissures on 10 January 1977,
killing about 70 people.
Lava lake activity resumed in June 1982, but had ceased by
early 1983.
The lava lake was again activated after an eruption that began
in June 1994.
In 2002, lava from the volcano partially destroyed the town
of Goma
and entered into Lake Kivu.
At Goma, an unknown number of deaths resulted from looting.
In July of 2004, the volcano was actively emitting ash and
smoke.
The stamp below was issued in 1990.
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