Prelude to Catastrophe: The Mount St. Helens Eruption

This chapter explores the events leading up to the dramatic eruption of Mount St. Helens, beginning with volcanologists' early warnings and the significant earthquake in March 1980. It highlights the tension between local residents, especially the defiant Harry Truman, and scientists advocating for safety, culminating in the catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980. The narrative is enriched by eyewitness accounts and the harrowing fate of key figures like David Johnston, underscoring the eruption's devastating impact.