From which of the following lakes in Africa did the emission of toxic gas lead to the death of a large number of people in 1986?
Answer Details
The lake in Africa that emitted toxic gas and caused the death of a large number of people in 1986 is Lake Nyos. On August 21, 1986, carbon dioxide gas trapped at the bottom of the lake suddenly erupted, causing a massive cloud of carbon dioxide to spread across the surrounding area. The gas cloud suffocated approximately 1,700 people and 3,500 livestock in nearby villages, and caused widespread panic in the region. The disaster led to renewed scientific interest in the study of limnology (the study of lakes) and the hazards associated with volcanic lakes in particular.