Rwanda Public Announcement
Issued by US Department of State
Jan 22, 2002
The January 17 eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has forced thousands of people to flee into Rwanda. The Department of State warns American citizens to avoid travel to the city of Gisenyi, Rwanda and areas around Lake Kivu.
Residents in the area face potential health and safety problems due to volcanic debris deposits, and the lack of potable water, food, and shelter.
While currently calm, Lake Kivu is potentially unsafe due to possible gas emissions and follow-on volcanic eruptions. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to assist potentially thousands of evacuees.
American citizens who plan to travel to Rwanda are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security in Rwanda. The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard de la Revolution; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; telephone (250) 505-601,505-602, and 505-603; fax(250) 72-128; e-mail: amembkigali@hotmail.com.
