Lake Nyos

Spring

June 20, 1987 7:00am
Five women were walking by the soda springs located to east of Lake Nyos, when they observed a cloud of smoke (gas) hovering over the stream. The gas was approximately 30 cm high and two (2) meters wide. The gas was flowing down the drainage as far as the women could see. It was moving softly-softly (very slowly). They felt a burning (hot) sensation on their lower legs. There was no difficulties with breathing or watering of the eyes. The women reported a smell of petrol. It rained buckets (50 mm) the previous night (June 19, 1987).

The women were very scared and briskly walked back to Upper Nyos Palace. The women came back later that day (2:00 pm) and didn't see anything unusual.

Interview: Hot Skin (8/22/86)
Translation: Hot Skin (pdf)

The lower leaves were damaged (black) and the upper leaves were healthy.

Most unusual is the absent of water fowl and birds on the lake. Birds are always abundant around the lake not today. (June 23, 1987)

Note the rust color of the spring. (6/23/87)