Montserrat 1995 - 1997

Question 1

Key statistics of the Montserrat explosion.

Answer 1

Magnitude: 3-4 VEI
Deaths: 19

Question 2

What factors influenced the impacts of the Montserrat Event.

Answer 2

• Volcano had been dormant for 300 years.
• Plymouth (capital) contained all the main services, banks, hospitals, government, businesses and schools. (Plymouth turned into modern day Pompeii.)

Question 3

What were the social impacts of the Montserrat eruption?

Answer 3

• 5,000 displaced and in temporary shelters.
• 11,000 evacuated to the north of island or nearby islands (some to the UK).
• Schools and government buildings all destroyed.

Question 4

What were the economic impacts of the Montserrat eruption?

Answer 4

• Banks destroyed
• Tourist sector destroyed
• 70% rise in rent
• 50% unemployment
• Skills shortage as people left
• Agriculture at a standstill (rice processing)