New Delhi, May 23

The Indian Army contingent at the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo is safe amid a volcanic eruption near its base at Goma.

The Brigade Headquarters at Goma has stayed, but troops have been thinned out by about 70 per cent in face of eruption of volcano.

The Indian Army unit is headquartered in the Eastern town of Goma bordering Rwanda. The Indian Brigade HQ is located adjacent to the Goma airfield. Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano that overlooks Goma town, erupted and spewed lava, gases and sediments at around 6 pm last night. The Indian Brigade HQ has held their ground and thinned out 70 per cent of the strength of the camp which has been sent to the Himbi Company Operating Base for safety.

A minimum strength has continued to hold onto the camp ensuring no threat to the UN and national assets as also providing security to empty aviation base, the Indian Army said.

An observation point has also been established that is giving real time updates of the lava flow to the Brigade HQ, enabling them to pass the correct information to the UN. The Indian contingent has facilitated the smooth evacuation and protection of civilians and other UN personnel in Goma. — TNS