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Volcanic Eruption Imminent at Mount St. Helens
Written by
Bonnie Gillespie
, Staff Writer and Photographer, RedCross.org
Monday, October 04, 2004 — Gigantic plumes of smoke rose thousands of feet in the air above Washington's Mount St. Helens on Monday (Oct. 4), as fears of a possible eruption continue to escalate.
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When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, the catastrophe killed 57 people and coated towns 250 miles away with ash.
Photo courtesy of the USGS
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U.S. Geological Survey officials reported that the volcano began releasing steam and ash around 1 p.m. ET. They are uncertain as to whether larger eruptions are still to come.
Since Sept. 23, a recurring swarm of shallow earthquakes at the volcano 95 miles south of Seattle have kept geologists on high alert. Within hours of an official Notice of Volcanic Unrest being issued on Friday, the steam and ash rose from the crater for 24 minutes, followed by continuous tremors in the days since.
Today, scientists detected rhythmic quakes known as harmonic tremors that often precede eruptions, with some lasting up to 90 minutes. The U.S. Geological Survey remains at its highest alert status, a Level 3, and airspace and visibility around the mountain are extremely limited.
Although scientists do not anticipate an eruption comparable to the catastrophic explosion of 1980, which killed 57 people and coated towns 250 miles away with ash, American Red Cross disaster preparedness experts are urging residents to act now and take the necessary precautions.
If you live in area that could be impacted by an eruption at Mount St. Helens, the Red Cross suggests the following:
Learn about your community warning systems and emergency plans, and prepare yourself and your family for the hazards that can accompany volcanoes:
- Mudflows and flash floods
- Landslides and rockfalls
- Earthquakes
- Ashfall and acid rain
- Tsunamis
Make evacuation plans. If you live in a known volcanic hazard area, plan a route out and have a backup route in mind.
Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact,” because after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Have disaster supplies on hand:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Dust masks for each family member
- Sturdy shoes
Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, if you are in a hazardous zone, doing so could be very dangerous. Stay safe. Follow authorities’ instructions and put your disaster plan into action.
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for more information on volcanoes, download Volcano Safety information in a PDF File or visit our
Volcano Safety Page.
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