Montserrat Volcano 1st Reports
July-August 1995
By W R White
Introduction
On July 18th everything on Montserrat appeared normal. Little did the residents of this British
Overseas Territory know that their lives were about to be changed for good by activity in a mountain
range, that in 1492 inspired the name given to the island by Christopher Columbus.
Late that evening I was in my office in Plymouth. I think it must have been around 8 o’clock. A phone
call alerted me to rumblings that were louder in Kinsale where there was also a sprinkling of ash. The
following is a collection of my first reports for local, regional and international media.
View current risk map
July 21st 1995
'Lang' Volcano Rouses the Sleeping Soufriere Hills
It was business as usual for most of the island this week, but from Plymouth east to Long Ground and
south to St. Patrick’s every eye was fixed on the soufriere hills.
The hills have been centre of attraction on the island since late Tuesday evening when residents were
perplexed by a sound that turned out to be movement in the mountains. The reality was that a volcano
which lay dormant was awakening. …… Read full report
August 2nd 1995
New Vent Opens but Island Remains on Orange Alert
It has been another week of lessons in volcanic activity here as Montserratians try desperately to
come to grips with the situation brought on by the exploding ‘Langs’ volcano. The activity plunged the
island into eruption mode two weeks ago. But just as the rumblings and emissions from the Paradise
mountain seemed to be quieting down last Friday, another vent opened in an adjoining mountain in
Tar River east of the Lang soufriere.…….Read full report
August 11th 1995
Camp Lightfoot – Montserrat Tent City in Antigua
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is today presenting the British Government with a blueprint
for a Montserrat tent city.
The plan is part of contingency arrangements for evacuating the island in the event of a calamitous
volcanic eruption…..Read full report
August 14th 1995
On Tour with Evacuees
Some of them had not been to the North of the island in years, several of them are occasional visitors,
but for all of the residents from Long Ground, Whites, Tuitts, Farms and Trants the village of Brades,
Cavalla Hill, Davy Hill, Cudjoe Head, Judy Piece or St. John’s in the far north of the island is home.
Their move to the area was brought on by volcanic activity in the east of the island…… Full Report
August 14th 1995
Another Crisis in the East
Farmers from Long Ground forced to relocate, complained this week that loose livestock have inflicted
untold damage on their crops. ……..Read full report
August 14th, 1995
A Week- end of Tremors.
The governor described it as an eventful week - end, but across the island residents were terrified
from late Saturday to last night by a series of earthquakes.
Sunday Night scientists here to monitor volcanic activity reported at that in all there were over a
hundred tremors with the heaviest measuring three-point-five on the Richter scale. …..Full report
August 14, 1995
No need to Panic
Chief Minister Reuben Meade says in spite of volcanic activity, his administration will continue to
broaden the economic base of the island. He said his administration was fully committed to putting
funds into any investment activity in Montserrat.” Full report
August 17, 1995
BDF Nurses Help OUT
August 17th 1995
Bank Manager Advises on Crisis Management
The Manager of Barclays Bank here has urged businessmen to plan their way out of a crisis brought
on by volcanic activity. Norris Vidal was at the time speaking at a Forum organized by the Montserrat
Chamber of Commerce and Industry……..Full report
August 17th 1995
Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosts economic Forum
The Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) is applauding its all day forum last
Wednesday as a positive initiative. It says the business community demonstrated the ability to
contribute to the economic development of the volcano stricken island.
The exercise according to the MCCI was intended to produce ideas aimed at stimulating ‘optimism
and revitalizing confidence in the economy of Montserrat…. Full report
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