The lake, locally dubbed “Lac de Gafsa” or “Gafsa Beach” was discovered by shepherds three weeks ago and has continued to attract people. Many are holidaying in it, swimming and scuba diving.
Local authorities say the volume of the pool could be one million cubic metres spanning over one hectare, with a depth of between 10 and 18 metres.
No explanation has been given for its sudden appearance but authorities have warned people to keep off the mystery “beach” as the water had since turned a murky green with algae having started of a crystalline blue. They warn that it could be radioactive and thus carcinogenic. But most Tunisian’s have turned the pool into a holiday resort, cooling off the heat in it.
Some geologists believe seismic activity may have caused groundwater to rise to the surface by disrupting the water table, but others disagree.
Speaking to France 24, Lakhdar Souid, a journalist in the country said: “Some say that it is a miracle, while others are calling it a curse,”
According to him, “This Lake is located in an area rich in phosphate deposits, which leave residue that is sometimes strongly radioactive. So there is a real risk the water is contaminated and carcinogenic. In the first few days, the water was a crystal clear, turquoise blue. Now it is green and full of algae. This means it is not being replenished and is conducive to disease.”
The Gafsa region is home to Tunisia’s mining industry. It is also home to one of the world’s largest phosphate mines. Phosphate was first discovered there in 1886.
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