Preparing for disaster

Abstract

The cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 resulted in displacement of one and one-half cubic kilometers of mountain covering over 100 square miles of the 'blast zone' with volcanic debris destroying all in its path and claiming the lives of at least 63 people who were voluntarily or mistakenly caught within the 'blast zone'. For several reasons, the relatively few individuals killed in this disaster must be considered fortunate. The Mount St. Helens eruption also provided a major test for federal, state, and community disaster plans. For those of us involved in the immediate public health response, Mount St. Helens provided some important lessons in organizing a disaster team, in documenting the impact on the public's health, and in preparing for future disasters.The Biological Effects of Volcanic Ash (BEVA) monograph that is the subject of the supplement to this issue of the Journal provides a planning model for future volcanic eruptions and other major disasters. It should be viewed in its broadest context.