Goma: As the authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) advise people living in part of the city of Goma to vacate their homes due to the risk of another volcanic eruption, UNICEF has warned that as many as 400,000 people - including 280,000 children - could be displaced and in need of protection or support.
"Whenever large groups of people are displaced in a short period of time, the dangers to children increase," said UNICEF Representative in the DRC Edouard Beigbeder in a press release on Thursday.
"We must be alert to immediate risks for children on the move, including protection issues, nutrition and health risks, including waterborne disease and especially the spread of cholera," Beigbeder added.
Thousands of those fleeing Goma are heading to the nearby town of Sake - 25 km northwest of the city - an area prone to cholera outbreaks where at least 19 suspected cases have been recorded in the last two weeks.
"With an increased danger of a cholera epidemic, we are appealing for urgent international assistance to avert what threatens to be a catastrophe for children," the UNICEF official stated.
Thousands of people fled Goma following the 22 May eruption, many of whom have headed to Sake.
An order by the authorities on Thursday that residents of the ten neighbourhoods in the east of Goma known as the Red Zone must immediately vacate their homes has seen a further mass exodus.
The Zone is thought to be the part of the city most at risk should another eruption occur.
Many of those fleeing Goma on Thursday travelled on foot, carrying mattresses and cooking utensils, while others escaped by car or on motorbikes.
At least 32 people have died as a direct result of the eruption, including three children, while 40 people have been reported as missing.
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