40 years ago August 26, 1986: Volcanic gas kills 2,000

On August 26, 1986, a catastrophic event unfolded in the north-western region of Cameroon, where a volcanic lake unleashed a torrent of lethal gases. The result was a devastating loss of life, with the death toll reaching an estimated 2,000 people. In response to the tragedy, the local authorities swiftly responded, deploying soldiers donning protective masks to assess the situation in the affected area.

The information minister, Georges Ngango, announced the preliminary death count, highlighting the severity of the incident.

The aftermath of the volcanic gas eruption prompted a state of emergency in the town of Giddarbaha, where residents were compelled to remain indoors under a curfew. The atmosphere was tense, as reports emerged of a terrorist attack in the neighboring town of Faridkot, resulting in one fatality. In an effort to maintain order, the government imposed an indefinite curfew in Giddarbaha, clamping down on any potential unrest.

The violent aftermath of the cremation of two victims of a separate terrorist incident further fueled civil unrest in the region. Opposition parties in Pakistan seized upon the opportunity to call for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign, aiming to oust President Zia-ul-Haq. The Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) made a bold statement, pledging to launch their protest in September, urging the president to step down and pave the way for democratic elections.

Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo, however, rejected the notion of early elections, asserting that the government would not entertain such requests. Meanwhile, police forces across the country worked diligently to apprehend opposition leaders implicated in the unrest.