A woman and her daughter shared their miraculous survival story after narrowly escaping a devastating volcanic eruption on the island of Montserrat. Olivette and Adena Johnson recounted their harrowing experience of fleeing the destructive Soufriere Hills eruptions in the mid-1990s. Despite the catastrophic event that wiped out a significant portion of the island, the mother and daughter duo chose to remain on Montserrat, where the volcano, although active, has not had a major eruption since 2010.
Adena, who documents life on Montserrat through her TikTok page, revealed that their journey back to the island was challenging after temporarily relocating to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Their return to Montserrat was driven by a deep sense of longing for home and a desire to be reunited with their community.
The Johnsons gained global attention after posting a three-part TikTok series explaining their decision to live near an active volcano. The volcanic activity on Montserrat reached its peak in the 1990s, causing widespread devastation and forcing many residents to seek refuge in other countries. The population of Montserrat drastically declined following the eruptions but has gradually increased over the years.
Olivette vividly recalled the terrifying moments of evacuation when they were instructed to leave their village due to the imminent danger posed by the volcano. Witnessing friends being airlifted to safety and seeing parts of the island engulfed by pyroclastic flows left a lasting impact on her, emphasizing the gravity of the situation they faced.
Adena, who was a child during the eruptions, remembered seeking shelter in churches that doubled as makeshift accommodations for displaced families. Despite the challenges they faced, Olivette continued her work as a seamstress, finding innovative ways to sustain her livelihood amid the chaos.
The family’s resilience led them to rebuild their lives in Gerald’s, a village in Montserrat, where they actively participate in community activities and contribute to the island’s recovery efforts. Adena highlighted the strong sense of community in Montserrat and the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of resilience and survival for future generations.
Through social media platforms like TikTok, Adena aims to raise awareness about the volcanic history of Montserrat and the enduring spirit of its people. Their story serves as a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Montserratian community in overcoming adversity and rebuilding their lives amidst natural disasters.
