Volcanic and limnic eruption: A potential threat to one health

Abstract

Nyiragongo volcanic eruption can cause a limnic eruption, which is a lesser-known disaster. The Nyiragongo volcano can stream into Lake Kivu and boil the water, resulting in a CH4 explosion and CO2 emission into the external environment. This potential overturn of Lake Kivu might result in multitudinous adverse effects. It would be a tragedy because residents of the lake basin would asphyxiate due to rising CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Therefore, it is critical to inform and educate the population regarding the danger and the appropriate behaviour if the emergency matters. Implementing mechanisms to extract and reduce CO2 would significantly prevent the catastrophe and sustain the population. There is equally a need to strengthen Lake Kivu protection and monitoring measures and regulate human activities. We advocate for a multifaceted one ealth approach to establishing resilient prevention and preparedness mechanisms. This article aimed to discuss the possible effects of the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption on Lake Kivu and how they might affect One Health, providing valuable and necessary information for public health practitioners and policymakers to consider.