Lake appears in Tunisian desert
A turquoise lake has suddenly appeared in the Tunisian desert, delighting locals and worrying health authorities.
The mysterious lake, now known to Tunisians as Gafsa beach, was first spotted by local shepherds, but soon drew nationwide attention.
Mehdi Bilel says he first noticed the lake when driving back from a wedding in Om Larayes.
"After several long hours on the road without a break, I honestly thought I was hallucinating," he told reporters. "I don't know much about science and thought it was magic, something supernatural."
The lake is thought to be up to 18 meters deep and to cover around a hectare.
"Some say it is a miracle, while others are calling it a curse," said Tunisian journalist Lakhdar Souid on France 24 television.
"In the first few days, the water was crystal clear; a turquoise blue. Now it's green and full of algae, which means it's not being replenished."
Theories as to why the lake has appeared and why it has now changed colour have raised safety concerns.
"This lake is located in an area rich in phosphate deposits, which leave residue that is sometimes strongly radioactive," Souid wrote in the Tunisia Daily.
"So there is a real risk the water is contaminated and carcinogenic."
Authorities have collected samples of the water for testing, but in the meantime, locals are continuing to enjoy whatever relief they can find from the region's 40C heat.
