Prior to the eruption of Plymouth was the administrative center of Montserrat (British territory in the Caribbean) and the only port. In August 1995 the city was buried under tons of volcanic ash. In December, the population was evacuated (ca. 4000), but after a few months Plymouthians were allowed to return. However in June 1997 new eruption occurred and killed 19 people. After another six weeks 80% of the city was destroyed by another series of eruptions. To restore Plymouth a lot of money is required, so the southern part of the island was declared a closed zone, and the town was deserted completely.
