Experts claim that the murky lake may be a natural phenomenon.
20 February 2021

Cambodia News, (Ratanakkiri): Boeung Yak Loam, located in Sangkat Yak Loam, Banlung City, Ratanakkiri Province, is one of the most potential natural resort areas for attracting national and international tourists. But it has been reported that from February 20, 2021, the entire surface of the lake is unusually murky.


Phon Khemrin, director of the Ratanakkiri Provincial Department of Environment, said this morning, February 21, that the opacity of Boeung Yak Laom may be due to natural phenomena. He said that 10 years ago, in 2011, Boeung Yak Laom was also similarly murky for 10 to 15 days, before it cleared naturally. The director of the provincial environment department said that according to the report Boeung Lomkot and Boeung Yakkha Om Yakkhara in Seda commune, Lumphat district, are also beginning to become murky. He did not dare to judge scientifically, but noted that the lakes are in overall good condition.


Mr. Nget Pito, Director of the Ratanakkiri Provincial Department of Tourism, also claimed that this is a natural phenomenon that occurs every 10 years, now the surface is gradually becoming more and more transparent.

According to officials from the provincial Department of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, this is not the first time that the lake has become cloudy, as it has been in recent years due to natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, and Lake Yak Laom is a volcanic lake that can be affected by volcanic eruptions in Asia.

The lake is usually a clear green color : A blogger on a visit to the volcanic Yak Loem lake describes its natural beauty, and her day with the local Tampuan people, an indigenous tribe living in the area.
https://impactexplorer.asia/my-visit-yeak-laom-lake/

MY VISIT TO YEAK LAOM LAKE (RATANAKIRI)
By Gautier
THE ‘GEM’ OF RATANAKIRI

At my first sight of Yeak Laom lake, there was no doubt in my mind why so many locals and travellers visit. The lake is a unique colour – a natural, vibrant emerald. Standing on the wooden dock on the edge of the lake the view is stunning. As sunlight hits the lake, it shimmers. I sat for a moment to feast my eyes on the green jungle and relax in what is a truly beautiful place. It is not until you dip your toes into the water of Yeak Laom lake that you can you see how clear and clean it is. A walk around the edge of the lake takes you past four wooden platforms. There are also additional places to sit and rest closer into the forest. I chose platform four to swim, the furthest from the entrance and I had it all to myself. I stripped down to my bathers, took a few tentative steps to the water’s edge and dived in. I swam tentatively out to the middle of the lake before returning to the wooden platform. I spent the morning relaxing at the dock: speaking with locals and watching as children bravely jumping from nearby trees in the water. I was falling under Yeak Laom’s spell!