volcano case studies

Question 1

Montserrat background info

Answer 1

1. small Caribbean Island with a general economy based on farming, fishing and tourism
2. LIC with a GDP per capita of $13,487
3. classed as British territory with strong links to the UK and the monarch as head of state (even though they have their own government)
4. has received aid from the EU since 2013

Question 2

Monserrat causes

Answer 2

1. The main volcano on Mount Soufriere
2. destructive plate boundary
3. located on the south-east of the island
4. had been dormant for at least 100 years
5. composite volcano (layers of ash and lava)

Question 3

Montserrat primary impacts

Answer 3

1. 19 died
2. 100+ injured
3. 7 villages destroyed
4. A high % of houses, infrastructure and businesses destroyed
5. local health services couldn’t cope
6. sewage systems are damaged causing health impacts

Question 4

Montserrat secondary impacts

Answer 4

1. frequent small eruptions which cause lahars
2. evacuees lived in unhygienic temporary camps
3. took a long time to rebuild
4. long term respiratory issues
5. damage to infrastructure slowed aid response
6. damage to coral reefs, beaches, forests and wildlife
7. fears of over-dependence on UK handouts
8. economy decimated
9. loss of skilled work due to emigration
10. high levels of unemployment
11. decrease in housing led to rent increase
12. economy decimated

Question 5

Monserrat response

Answer 5

1. the UK gave £2500 to each local for them to relocate to the UK
2. the UK gave £40m for aid and £75m for long-term development
3. 5,000 locals evacuated to the north safe zone
4. NGOs like the International Red Cross sent aid
5. British Royal Navy sent ships to evacuate 4,000 to Antigua
6. permanent monitoring stations