Location
Montserrat is located in the Caribbean, it is a volcanic island 12 miles long and 3 wide. Known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ Montserrat is largely undeveloped with a few towns and one main city – Plymouth
Montserrat is also located on the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates, this is a destructive plate boundary so the volcano that Montserrat is built around is of a composite nature.
Montserrat is also located on the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates, this is a destructive plate boundary so the volcano that Montserrat is built around is of a composite nature.
Eruption Profile
The volcanic section of the island, known as Soufriere Hills erupted in 1995 after a dormancy period of 300 years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/natural_hazards/volcanoes_rev6.shtml
In 1997 a major eruption devastated the southern part of the island and buried the capital, Plymouth. Agricultural land was destroyed, villages were flattened and 19 people were killed.
The crisis prompted more than half of the island's population to leave; those who stayed were evacuated to the north. The restless volcano has prevented their return.
2/3 of the island was covered in ash
50% of the population were evacuated to the north of the island to live in makeshift shelters
23 people died in 1997
Plymouth - the capital became a ghost town
Floods as valleys were blocked with ash
The airport and port were closed
Farmland was destroyed
Forest fires caused by pyroclastic flows
Many schools and hospitals were destroyed
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/natural_hazards/volcanoes_rev6.shtml
In 1997 a major eruption devastated the southern part of the island and buried the capital, Plymouth. Agricultural land was destroyed, villages were flattened and 19 people were killed.
The crisis prompted more than half of the island's population to leave; those who stayed were evacuated to the north. The restless volcano has prevented their return.
2/3 of the island was covered in ash
50% of the population were evacuated to the north of the island to live in makeshift shelters
23 people died in 1997
Plymouth - the capital became a ghost town
Floods as valleys were blocked with ash
The airport and port were closed
Farmland was destroyed
Forest fires caused by pyroclastic flows
Many schools and hospitals were destroyed
Aid & Efforts
Responses to the Eruption
£41 million was given in aid by the British Government. Money was given to individuals to help them move to other countries. Riots occurred as locals complained that the British were not doing enough to help the island.
A Risk assessment was done to help islanders understand which areas are at risk and reduce problems for the future.
£41 million was given in aid by the British Government. Money was given to individuals to help them move to other countries. Riots occurred as locals complained that the British were not doing enough to help the island.
A Risk assessment was done to help islanders understand which areas are at risk and reduce problems for the future.