How did eruptions in the Virunga Mountains change the drainage of Lake Kivu?

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East African mountains and lakes — East African lakes Mountains and lakes of East Africa.

Volcanic activity in the Virunga Mountains fundamentally altered the drainage of Lake Kivu by creating a massive volcanic dam along the lake's northern shore.12

Prior to this geologically recent event, the lake's drainage flowed northward into the Nile system, likely toward Lake Edward. The volcanic outpourings effectively blocked this northern outflow and forced a reversal of the lake's drainage. Consequently, the water was diverted to the south, where it now flows through the Ruzizi River into Lake Tanganyika.12