Mount St. Helens
Eruption Of 1980
Summary Of Natural Disaster
On May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens had a volcanic eruption. The cause of this 9-hour long explosion was magma and pressure rising to the top of the volcano removing the bulge. The top of the volcano was removed causing pressure built up in the magma at the bottom of the volcano, which led to the explosion.
How Did This Effect People In the Environment?
This affected people because many people died in this volcanic eruption. This Eruption killed 57 people. Four people died of heart attacks, a car accident because they couldn’t see, hitting the power lines during ash-fall, and someone a died of asthma attack.
How was the Ecosystem effected?
- Thousands of animals were killed
- Vegetation was killed and completely destroyed
- Animals couldn't return because of all the ash and dust
- Plants weren't able to to grow on the land because of the ash
- The land was turned into a desert of ash
- Rocks were everywhere
- The land was turned into a desert of ash
How was the food and water effected in the town?
- Rivers were flooded with ice and snow from the mountain
- People couldn't access grocery stores
- Couldn't access pharmacies
- The lakes were flooded with dead trees, fish, and other animals
How was the electricity effected in the town?
Homes in an 8 mile radius of the eruption had their electricity wiped out almost instantly. Also some of the power lines fell and some were hit due to cars accidents.