Year 11 Montserrat Eruption (LEDC)
Montserrat is a small Caribbean island located on the plate boundary between the North American and Caribbean plate.
In 1995 it had a population of 11,000.
On July 18th 1995 the dormant volcano, Chances Peak, began to wake.
To gain up-to-date information about volcano activity on Montserrat, click here.
Short Term Effects of the Eruption- Forests and rich farmland destroyed by lahars and covered by layers of ash.
- 23 people died.
- Many settlements buried in ash.
- Many people evacuated: To the 'safe' north of the island, to other islands and to the UK.
- Capital City (Plymouth) almost totally destroyed and evacuated.
- Only hospital destroyed.
- Airport destroyed.
- Many roads destroyed.
Responses to the Eruption
- People evacuated to the North of the island, housed in tents and makeshift homes, with little food, poor sanitation and no power.
- UK government provided £55 million in aid.
- Hospital reopened in a former school.
Long Term Effects of the Eruption
- Many people left unemployed as the islands tourist industry collapsed.
- Capital City left abandoned, most people resettled in the North of the island.
Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk
