Case Study - Monserrat

Question 1

When did Montserrat erupt?

Answer 1

• It suddenly began erupting in August 1995.

- The big eruption came in June 1997, after a series of small eruptions

Question 2

Why did the volcano erupt?

Answer 2

• As it is part of a volcanic island arc in the Caribbean, which has developed at a destructive plate margin

Question 3

What were the effects of the eruption?

Answer 3

• More than half of Montserrat became uninhabiable
• Infrastructure, including the airport, was destroyed
• 19 people died and many people fled the island

Question 4

What were the immediate responses to the eruption?

Answer 4

• An exclusion zone was set up, which saved many lives

- Many people had left the island completely, by November 1997, the population fell from 12,000 to 3500

Question 5

What were the long term responses?

Answer 5

• Some people returned to the island. By 2010, the population had risen to nearly 5000
• Island’s population structure changed. Young people left and didn’t come back
• Old people either never left, or came back

Question 6

What was a long term response by the British government?

Answer 6

• They spent over £200 million helping Monserrat to restore electricity, water, new airport and roads