Looks can be deceiving! The deadly Lake Nyos in Cameroon, African is a deep lake near an inactive volcano. Magma lies below the lake and leaks carbon dioxide into the water, converting it to cardbon acid. Nyos is one of three known lakes found to be potentially dangerous in this way. On August 21 1986, probably as a result of a mud slide, the lake emitted a massive amount of carbon dioxide into the air. the lake burped and then exploded with a frothy spray in to the air. A white cloud engulfed the area asphyxiating and killing over 1,700 people and their livestock within a 15 1/2 mile radius. Those who survived were unconscious for up to 36 hours. In 2001, degassing tubes have been placed at the bottom of the lake allowing carbon dioxide to safely and gradually escape from the lake. The lake continues to be a threat as it's natural wall is weakening. Another mudslide could give way allowing water to head downstream risking the lives of those in local villages. Not a place to put on your bucket list.
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