How Fast Is Fast Lava Flow?

Fast pahoehoe lava can flow at 60 km/h on steep slopes — fast enough to outrun on level ground but impossible to escape downhill. The 1977 Nyiragongo eruption produced one of the fastest lava flows ever recorded, sweeping through villages within minutes.

The 1977 Nyiragongo eruption produced one of the fastest lava flows on record — at 60 km/h, faster than most could escape on foot.

• Slightly slower than a greyhound
• Outpaces humans downhill