Half a century after its sudden awakening in 1851, mount Pelée had a particulary violent outburst. This eruption resulted in : -The complete destruction of Saint-Pierre, the economic center of Martinique, on May 8th 1902;
-The partial destruction of Morne-Rouge and other settlements on the southern and eastern sides, on August 30th 1902;
-Heavy damages in the villages of Prêcheur, Grand-Rivière, Basse-Pointe and Ajoupa-Bouillon. The human losses are estimated at approx. 29,000. 28,000 on May 8th and 1,000 on August 30th.
St. Pierre before the eruption (Ph. Lacroix)
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Chronology of the disaster |
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The main stages of an outstanding crisis. 
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Why didn't they evacuate?... |
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Since the disaster, lots of stories have been spread accusing the Governor of Martinique of being responsible for the disaster. He's charged of not ordering an evacuation of St. Pierre because of upcoming elections. |
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The second deadly eruption occured on August 30th, 1902. This tragedy is also the result of a terrible mistake.  |
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This eruption has been mainly studied by Professor A. Lacroix, a famous French geologist. |
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There are some appealing stories about the survivors of the May 8th disaster... 
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Shortly after the eruption, the area of St. Pierre was completely abandonned. But slowly families were drawn to the ruins by the cheap price of the land, and the desire to rebuild the city. |
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Historical eruptions 
