The Lake Nyos Disaster
A dead cow found near Lake Nyos
The disaster took place at Lake Nyos on the night of 21 August 1986.
The children prepared their beds while the villagers engaged in their usual activities. It was like any other evening until a series of strange rumbling sounds disturbed the entire village. Out of curiosity or panic, many paused their activities and rushed out of their homes. One observer who was on high ground above Lake Nyos during the incident reported as:
“The thing was white, white like cloth. It didn’t go up in the air, it mostly went down near the ground.”
Many villagers reported a distinct smell, like that of gunpowder or rotten eggs. Moments after noticing the peculiar smell, people started falling to the ground, losing their consciousness. Many of those already sleeping, never awakened from their sleep. Others staying inside also fell victim to the invisible threat.
It was only until the next morning did some started waking up. Survivors reported feeling weak and disoriented, some finding trouble even standing. But for them, that was the least of their concern. An eerie silence filled the village. They witness their families lying unconscious on the ground. Over 1700 people and 3500 livestock died overnight.
Monica Lom Ngong, a survivor of the incident, described the scene as:
“Just sitting among the dead people. Inside the house. Some of them were outside. Some of them behind the houses. Animals everywhere. Lying fawns, dogs, cows, everything. So I was confused by then. All the family, we were 56. But 53 died.”
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