Did you know: about Lake Nyos?

The Lake Nyos incident was a limnic eruption on August 21, 1986, in Cameroon, where a sudden release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake caused the deaths of over 1,700 people and thousands of livestock from asphyxiation. A massive cloud of the heavier-than-air gas descended from the lake into nearby villages, where people and animals were overcome. The incident occurred because CO2, originating from volcanic activity below the lake, had built up in the deep water and was suddenly released in a process called a limnic eruption.

What Happened
Date: August 21, 1986.
Location: Lake Nyos in Cameroon, West Africa.
Cause: A large, sudden release of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas from the volcanic crater lake.
Mechanism: The CO2 had been dissolved in the lake's deep water for a long time. A trigger, possibly a landslide or other disturbance, caused the CO2-saturated water to rapidly rise and release as a gas, leading to a limnic eruption.

Consequences
Deaths: Approximately 1,700 people and thousands of livestock died from asphyxiation.
The Gas Cloud: The CO2 cloud, being heavier than air, stayed close to the ground and moved into surrounding valleys and villages, where it suffocated people.
Other Impacts: A significant loss of aquatic life and impact on the biodiversity of the lake also occurred.

Aftermath and Prevention
Degassing System: To prevent a recurrence, a degassing system was installed in Lake Nyos in 2001, with additional tubes installed in 2011. This system siphons water from the bottom layers to the top, allowing the CO2 to release in controlled, safer amounts.
Ongoing Threat: The natural wall of the lake is still weakening, and a geological tremor could potentially cause a breach, leading to another large release of gas and a flood of water into downstream villages.