w37day3

Those who lived in the shadow of Mount St. Helens knew it was only a matter of time it would erupt. There were safety measures in place and United States Geological Survey had kept 20 mile red zone around it. The scientists with their previous knowledge predicted the eruption to act out with magma blowing the top, somewhat like a cork from a champagne bottle is expelled. One geologist David Johnston who had studied a recent volcanic eruption in the Soviet Russia expected the magma to erupt from the side which none in USGS accepted as possible. On May 18, 1980 the north side of St. Helens burst with the fury of a ten- megaton bomb. None expected such a force or damage that was left in its wake. Some 56 people died including David Johnston whose prediction was proved right.
Lessons from experience must have been well learnt that in Feb 25, 2005 the mount erupted again. This time no fatalities were reported.
benny