Limnic Eruptions

A limnic eruption occurs when a gas, usually CO₂ suddenly erupts from deep lake water, posing the threat of suffocating wildlife, livestock and humans. Such an eruption may also cause tsunamis in the lake as the rising gas displaces water. Scientists believe landslides, volcanic activity, or explosions can trigger such an eruption. To date, only two limnic eruptions have been observed and recorded:

• On 15 August 1984, a gas eruption occurred at 11:30 pm local time at Lake Monoun. The event is thought to have been caused by a lakeside landslide that triggered the release of dissolved carbon dioxide and also resulted in a 5 m high wave that damaged vegetation. Carbon dioxide gas travelled downhill at ground level and asphyxiated 37 people. The majority of the causalities were found along a low-lying part of a road that passes the lake. A number of dead animals were also found within the immediate area.

• At nearby Lake Nyos in 1986 a much larger eruption killed between 1,700 and 1,800 people by asphyxiation.

My Thoughts
When something like this happened, not many people knew about it and the people that were affected died from it because they didn't know it was happening. I don't think there's many things we can do to stop something like this, but we just have to get through it and monitor the next one to be ready for it.