Uncertain Future for Montserrat Island
Montserrat island could become completely uninhabitable by 2013 or earlier
Based on the pattern of volcanic activity at Soufriere Hills volcano since 1995, evidence of increased volcanism globally and a number of other factors, the FEWW EarthModel forecasts the probability of Montserrat island becoming completely uninhabitable as follows:
Probability of Montserrat Becoming Uninhabitable in the Near Future
- 2009 ≥ 50%
- 2010 ≥ 56%
- 2011 ≥ 60%
- 2012 ≥ 70%
- 2013 ≥ 80%
Montserrat Island Details:
- Capital:
- Plymouth (destroyed in 1997- see photo below)
- Brades (de facto)
- Location: Montserrat Island
- Coordinates: (16.72 N, 62.18 W)
- Height: 915 meters (3,010 feet)
- Official languages: English
- Ethnic groups: West African, Mulatto, British, Irish
- Government: British Overseas Territory
- Area: 102 km² (39 sq mi )
View E across ash-covered Plymouth, the former capital city and major port of Montserrat, toward Soufriere Hills volcano. Before the volcano became active in July 1995, about 5,000 people lived in Plymouth, located 4 km west of English’s Crater. During the first two years of the eruption, ash and noxious gas from explosions and pyroclastic flows frequently settled on Plymouth. On August 3, about 3 weeks after this image was taken, the first significant pyroclastic flow swept through the evacuated town. The flow triggered many fires and caused extensive damage to buildings and community facilities by direct impact and burial. Date: 12 July 1997. Credit: R.P. Hoblitt/ USGS.
Political map of Caribbean islands.
Related Links:
- A New Era of Intense Volcanic Unrest May Have Begun
- Dynamic Duo Volcanoes Erupt
- Hawaii’s Kilauea Billows 2,500 MT of SO2
More Images:
Fire Earth 
