A mother and daughter recounted their miraculous survival from a devastating volcanic eruption in Montserrat that obliterated a significant portion of the island. Olivette and Adena Johnson shared their harrowing escape from the catastrophic Soufriere Hills eruptions of the mid-1990s in an exclusive interview with The Mirror.
Remarkably, despite the ongoing volcanic activity since 2010, the mother-daughter duo continues to reside on the Caribbean island. Adena showcases life on Montserrat on her TikTok page, portraying the vibrant essence of the island, although she acknowledged the challenges they faced to reach this point.
After a temporary relocation to the US Virgin Islands, the pair returned to Montserrat, expressing their deep attachment to their homeland. Their TikTok video series explaining their choice to live near an active volcano garnered global attention, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding their decision.
The volcanic eruptions in 1995 and 1997 forced families, including the Johnsons, to evacuate, with tragic consequences claiming the lives of 19 individuals. Subsequently, an exclusion zone was established, restricting access to most of the island, leading to a significant decline in the population followed by a gradual recovery.
Olivette, aged 68, vividly recalled the tense moments during the evacuations, including cramming into a car with relatives and friends to flee the impending danger. Witnessing the devastation caused by the pyroclastic flows, she acknowledged narrowly escaping death on two occasions.
Adena, who was a child during the eruptions, reminisced about seeking refuge in churches turned shelters as the community grappled with displacement. Despite the upheaval, Olivette persevered in her role as a seamstress, supported by a colleague who facilitated her work at the airport amidst the chaos.
The family’s resilience shone through as they resettled in Gerald’s, a village in the north of Montserrat, actively contributing to the rebuilding efforts and embracing their revitalized community spirit. Adena, in addition to her marketing profession, uses TikTok to narrate their survival story, aiming to raise awareness among younger generations about the island’s tumultuous past.
Embracing the tight-knit community ethos of Montserrat, the Johnsons take pride in showcasing the island’s resurgence and imparting the lessons learned from their enduring journey of survival.
