Twelve years after volcano erupts: Montserrat Red Cross continues to help residents recover

The Montserrat overseas branch of the British Red Cross (MRC) continues to play a meaningful role in the lives of residents of the volcano-affected island.

On Wednesday 18 July, residents held a thanksgiving service on the 12th anniversary of the first eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano. During the period, the volcano has had spells of eruption and repose. At least 19 persons have died while 60% of the island has been rendered unsafe, covered in volcanic material and mud flows.

Today, the population is just 5,000 – less than half what it was pre-volcano - and those who have remained have seen a mountain grow before their eyes. The volcano's dome is now the highest point on the island, standing over 3500 feet above sea level.

With over 90% of the island's infrastructure destroyed, the remaining islanders have had to rebuild their lives in the much safer northern part of the island: new homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, bulk fuel storage, airport, port and hotels.

About 95% of houses were rendered uninhabitable in the 12 years and the emphasis since has been on home construction.

At one stage there were over 2000 people in shelters and the MRC played an integral part in the shelter management process, providing managers and first aid cover.

As new homes came on stream, the numbers in shelters began to drop and the MRC switched their emphasis from shelter management to assisting people in their move to new homes.

But a major problem was faced. Residents had been evacuated from their homes with little or no notice, preventing them from saving personal belongings.

Many of these belongings have subsequently been destroyed in volcanic flows.  As they began occupying new homes, many residents had no furniture, clothes, cookers or fridges.

The MRC stepped in, offering homeowners/tenants beds, fridges and cookers to help make them more comfortable. Funds were raised regionally and internationally to assist with the project and overall some 1,000 households were assisted.

Another project has been assisting safe zone residents, in particular the elderly, to clean and repair their homes that suffered damage from ash fall.

Some 30 homes were cleaned and repaired using monies donated from the British Red Cross. The project also offered employment to 12 young people who lost their jobs because of the volcano.