1995-1996 - Eruptions cover two thirds of the island in ash and rocks
April 1996 - Evacuation of south of the island
July 1997 - British government considers permanently relocating the population
June-August 1997 - 23 people died, Plymouth submerged under 1m of ash
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Economic Impacts
June-August 1997 - Airport damaged so no tourists could reach the island, agriculture and tourism industries are hit hard
1997 - Many Montserratian businesses had to relocate off the island so there was less income on the island
End of 1997-1998 - British government had to give aid to Monsterrat ($64 million promised to replace housing,hospital and airport, $3800 to anyone who wants to relocate off the island
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Primary Impacts
23 deaths and over 100 injured
Plymouth (capital) covered in ash - ghost town
High % of homes, businesses and important infrastructure damaged e.g.hospitals, schools
Two thirds of the island covered in ash
50% of population relocated from south to north of island
Airport and port closed
Farmland destroyed
Forest fires caused by pyroclastic flow
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Secondary Impacts
Over half the population permanantly left the island
Ageing population as many younger people left the island
Toxic smoke and ash poisoned water sources
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Immediate Response
Evacuation of south of island led by British Navy (HMS Liverpool)
Abandonment of Plymouth (capital city)
British government gives compensation
Collapse of tourism industry - rise in unemployment
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Long-term Response
Exclusion zone set up in the south of the island
Scientists began to observe the volcano
Infrastructure (i.e. roads, airport) rebuilt
British government offer compensation and aid to the island
Prescence of volcano resulted in increase in adventure tourism
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