People who lives in drought-ridden Tunisia have been enjoying a respite from the scorching heat after a "miracle" lake appeared in the middle of the desert.
Thousands of locals flocked to what has become known as Gafsa beach after shepherds stumbled across the mysterious expanse of water several weeks ago.
Scientists suspect seismic activity may have ruptured the rock above the water table sending the liquid to the surface
However, despite warnings the water may be contaminated or even radioactive, Tunisians have descended on the impromptu "beach" in force to escape the 40C heat.
"Some say it is a miracle, while others are calling it a curse," Lakhdar Souid, a Tunisian journalist, told reporters."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."
The Gafsa region of central Tunisia is home to the country's mining industry and phosphate was first discovered in 1886.
The fear is that the "Lac de Gafsa" is full of chemicals, and the algae will give rise to disease in the area.
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