The Effects of the Montserrat Volcano Flashcards
When did the event take place?
July 1995-1997
Where did the event take place?
Montserrat, South East Caribbean.
What caused the eruption?
Subduction of Atlantic Plate under the Caribbean plate (Destructive)
Which volcano erupted?
The Soufriere Hills volcano.
How many fatalities were there in total?
19 people were killed.
Many settlements were destroyed by the eruption ; which settlement was the most important?
Plymouth – the capital of Montserrat, initially evacuated in August 1995; abandoned and destroyed in 1997
How many people were affected in total.
7000 people were affected.
What are Primary Effects?
Primary effects are a direct result of the hazard. They occur immediately.
What are Secondary Effects?
Secondary effects are an indirect result of the hazard, but may take time to occur.
List 6 Primary Effects of the Eruption.
- Pyroclastic flow destroyed the Plymouth, the capital of Montserrat.
- Airport runway covered in ash and terminal building collapsed, stopping people from leaving the country effectively.
- Seven hospitals destroyed, stopping the injured from being helped effectively.
- Roads, bridges and infrastructure destroyed, crippling transportation routes.
- Agricultural fields covered in ash, crippling important food sources.
- Main Radio transmitter destroyed, disabling the ability to call for help.
List 7 Secondary Effects of the Montserrat Eruption.
- Coral reef severely damaged – endangered species now at high risk of extinction
- Some residents have suffered from lung diseases caused by ash inhalation
- Unemployment increased as a result of the collapse of the tourist industry, farmland and business.
- The nearby island of Antigua became overpopulated due to people migrating from Montserrat.
- 7000 people made homeless who left Plymouth to the north of the island
