In 1995, the Chances Peak volcano on Montserrat erupted after 350 years of dormancy, forcing thousands to evacuate. Over subsequent years, more eruptions rendered two-thirds of the island uninhabitable and killed 19 people. Britain provided millions in aid and allowed displaced Montserratians residency. A multi-year plan of action was put in place to rebuild infrastructure like roads, housing, schools and hospitals, develop the economy through activities like tourism, farming, and fishing, and establish services like communications, waste management, and government facilities.

1. Montserrat

2. What happened 1995 18 July - Chances Peak volcano erupts for the first time in 350 years. Thousands are forced to evacuate. Many take up temporary residence in "safe areas" in the north; others flee to neighbouring Caribbean islands, New York and Britain. August - Government declares a state of emergency. December - Britain assists with rehabilitation programmes and grants millions of pounds in development aid. 1996 April - Britain announces that Montserratians will be granted residency and the right to work in the UK for up to two years. 1997 25 June - Soufriere Hills volcano erupts with devastating effects. Two-thirds of the island is left uninhabitable and 19 people are killed. Plymouth, the capital, is abandoned. Montserrat's airport is closed, the island is accessible only by helicopter or boat.

3. Plan of action Year one Geothermal power station Start improving roads and bridges Water treatment and bottle plant Sewage works New housing for 5000 people 3 new primary schools

4. plan of action Year two New airport New port New hotels Full-time helicopter and support staff Public library Upgrading st. Johns hospital

5. Year three. Community radio station New prison New government residents A brewery Construction of a tourist volcano trial Recycling depot Plan of action

6. Year four New movement offices New business park Farmland reclamation program Ash quarrying and processing plant Fish freezing and exporting Forest reclamation program Plan of actions