I would like the following questions answered in reference to Mt.St.Helens eruption of May 18, 1980. Sorry for being so vague. ------------- How did the people handle the results of the eruption? Were they surprised by the results of the eruption? Have they returned to or abandoned their homes?

Susan Gaskins

I think that people handled the situation in a variety of ways, and some folks were surprised whereas others were not. There was certainly plenty of warning that the volcano was going to erupt. The initial activity started in March of 1980, and the big eruption didn't occur until May 18. It was very clear by then that a huge amount of magma had accumulated within the volcano so the question was when, not if there would be an eruption. Those who acknowledged that by living nearby to an active volcano there were some potential reisks involved, did OK. Those who wanted the government to "do something" didn't. Either way, the losses of lives and the huge economic losses hit many nearby residents pretty hard.

Sincerely,
Scott Rowland

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