Volcano Disaster

When Mount St. Helens began releasing steam, nearby residents were told to get off the mountain. One man decided not to, and he paid dearly for his decision. The Mount St. Helens Volcano is part of the non-fiction series "Disasters" that will engage listeners of all ages, including English Language Learners. These moments in history recall the death and destruction caused by both natural and manmade disasters around the world.

On May 12, 1924, a park forest ranger notices rocks out of place near the mouth of the Kilauea Volcano. On Sunday, May 18, the ground splits open - rocks, fire, and ash fill the sky, and those who chose not to evacuate are in a fight for their lives. Lucy Dillow, daughter of the local pastor, enjoys her days of ministering to Hawaii's friendly people and teaching their young in a simple one-room schoolhouse. When the order arrives to evacuate because of the uncertainty of the volcano, she decides to stay behind with her family in case they are needed, and to keep a journal of the volcano's activity.