Today in History: Gas cloud kills thousands in Cameroon
The gas cloud came up to the surface after it was displaced following a drop in the lake's water level.
A lethal eruption of a large quantity of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon killed nearly 2 000 people on this day 32 years ago. Carbon dioxide, though ubiquitous in Earth’s atmosphere, can be deadly in large quantities, as was evident in this disaster.
Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun are both crater lakes about 2,5km² in size,and are located in remote mountain areas of northwest Cameroon, dominated by rock cliffs and lush vegetation.
Prior to the 1986 incident, in August 1984, 37 people near Lake Monoun died suddenly, but the incident was largely covered up by the government. Since there is no electricity or telephone service in the area, it was not difficult to keep the incident secret and the 5 000 people who lived in villages near Lake Nyos remained unaware of the potential danger of their own lake.
At about 9.30pm on 21 August 1986, a rumbling noise emanated from Lake Nyos for 15 to 20 seconds, followed by a cloud of carbon dioxide and a blast of smelly air. The cloud quickly moved north toward the village of Lower Nyos.
Some people tried to run away from the cloud, but were later found dead on the paths leading away from the village. A woman and child were the only survivors from Lower Nyos.
The deadly cloud of gas then moved on to Cha Subum and Fang, where another 500 people lost their lives. The carbon dioxide killed every type of animal – including small insects – in its path, but left buildings and plants unaffected. Survivors reportedly even experienced coughing fits and vomited blood.
Outsiders learned of the disaster when they approached the villages and found animal and human bodies on the ground. The best estimate is that 1 700 people and thousands of cattle died.
A subsequent investigation of the lake showed the water level to be 1,2m lower than what it had previously been. Apparently, the carbon dioxide had been accumulating from underground springs and was being held down by the water in the lake.
When the 1,6 millions tonnes of gas finally burst through, it travelled low to the ground – it’s heavier than air – until it dispersed. Lake Nyos must now be constantly monitored for carbon dioxide accumulation.
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