Volcanic Eruption- Montserrat

Question 1

When- 2, Where-1, Why-1

Answer 1

• 1995 small eruptions, earthquakes, Lahars
• 25th june 1997 main eruption, followed by pyroclastic flows
• Soufriere Hills, Composite volcano
• Above a destructive plate margin, NA plate forced under Carribean Plate

Question 2

Economic Impacts- 4

Answer 2

• Total loss of value £1billion
• 20 villages, 2/3 homes destroyed by pyrolclastic flows
• Loss of tourism, destroyed economy, however noe increasing
• Schools hospitals airport port destroyed

Question 3

Social impacts-4

Answer 3

• 19 people died
• Hundreds lost home
• Fires destroyed many buildings- eg local gov offices, police headquarters, petrol stations
• Population decline from 12000 to 4000

Question 4

Environmental impacts-3

Answer 4

• Large areas of woodland destroyed
• Vegetation and farmland destroyed
• Volcanic ash improved soil fertility

Question 5

Responses- 8

Answer 5

• People evacuated to safe north zone
• Shelters built to house evacuees
• Temporary infrastructure, roads electricity
• uk provided £17 mil emergency aid
• local emergency services search and rescue
• a risk map was created
• Uk provided £41 mil long term aid- new airports etc
• Montserrat obsvervatory

Question 6

Reasons Why?-3

Answer 6

• Secientist had studied in 1990, little attention given to report
• No disaster management plan
• Infrastructure built in key risk areas