Before the first recorded eruption of Soufriere Hills, Montserrat had approximately 12,000 inhabitants.  Without warning, on July 18, 1995, the island came alive, spewing ash and creating pyroclastic lava flows.  An estimated two-thirds of the people fled the island.  By 1998 much of the population had returned to find their homes destroyed, agricultural fields unusable, and much of the island was completely uninhabitable.  A 2001 census showed that 4,482 people have returned to the island (The World Factbook, 2003).  

Today, the economy of Montserrat is in dire need of help due to the extensive destruction of private property and agricultural lands.  Airports and seaports were closed temporarily in 1997 after a large eruption, which also disrupted the island economy.  It is expected that half of the island will be uninhabitable for at least another decade.  In addition to the volcanic activity on Montserrat, inhabitants also have to battle hurricane season.

Currently industry and civilians alike are expanding north on the island to escape the direct path of the volcano.  One decision that has to be made by all that live on Montserrat is what to do after an eruption.  Should the inhabitants leave the island and start their lives over in a new place, or should they stay on the island but move out of the most dangerous area around the beast.  People whose families have lived on the island for generations are more likely to accept the loss of their things and rebuild on the island.  Others who have lost loved ones or have suffered tremendous losses of personal property are more likely to try and reduce their losses and relocate their family to a new location. 

Today, Montserratians are living with the volcano that has virtually taken over almost the entire island.  The Montserrat Red Cross (MRC) uses the money it receives from donations to help those effected by the volcanic eruptions on the island.  The MRC is in constant need of donations for clean-up activities, including: pyroclastic material removal from homes and land, rebuilding of homes/buildings, and the fixing of electrical and water lines that have been damaged from previous eruptions.  The MRC has received donations from individuals, organizations, and even governments.  Functions, such as dinners and fundraisers, are constantly being held to raise extra money for disaster relief that is also used to help those in need of financial aid ("The Government of Montserrat," 1997).