Lake Nyos disaster
On 21 August 1986, a limnic eruption at Lake Nyos in northwestern Cameroon killed 1,746 people and 3,500 livestock.
Lake Nyos as it appeared eight days after the eruption | |
Lake Nyos disaster | |
| Date | 21 August 1986 |
|---|---|
| Location | Cameroon |
| Coordinates | 6.44°N 10.30°E |
| Type | Limnic eruption |
| Deaths | 1,746 |
The eruption triggered the sudden release of about 100,000–300,000 tons (1.6 million tons, according to some sources) of carbon dioxide (CO2). The gas cloud initially rose at nearly 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph; 28 m/s) and then, being heavier than air, descended onto nearby villages, suffocating people and livestock within 25 kilometres (16 mi) of the lake.
A degassing system has since been installed at the lake, with the aim of reducing the concentration of CO2 in the waters and therefore the risk of further eruptions. Along with the Lake Monoun disaster two years earlier, it is one of only two recorded limnic eruptions in history.