Sarah Quinn
Lake Nyos in Cameroon
Lake Nyos is a crater lake located in Cameroon, West Africa. Unfortunately, this tranquil-looking lake has a deadly secret. In 1986, a sudden and catastrophic event occurred known as a limnic eruption. This rare phenomenon caused a massive release of carbon dioxide gas from the lake, resulting in a devastating disaster.
Sadly, over 1,700 people and countless animals lost their lives due to asphyxiation. The incident served as a wake-up call to the potential dangers of volcanic lakes and led to increased efforts in monitoring and managing gas emissions from such bodies of water. Today, Lake Nyos stands as a reminder of the fragile balance between nature’s beauty and its hidden perils.
