Impact of Mount St. Helens

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, sending ash across Washington state. Spokane, 290 miles away, was engulfed in ash, turning day into night. Transportation was disrupted, events canceled, and panic ensued. Communities struggled with ash cleanup, and travelers were stranded. President Carter visited to offer support. Despite initial fears, the ash did not severely damage crops, and life gradually returned to normal.

What was the initial reaction of people in Spokane when Mount St. Helens erupted?

• They celebrated the event.

• They immediately started evacuating.

• They were relieved to be far from the disaster.

• They were unaware of the eruption.

What did the ash cloud from Mount St. Helens turn the afternoon into?

• A foggy morning

• Midnight

• A bright sunny day

• A rainy evening

Which city was buried under ash, causing severe disruptions?

• Spokane

• Yakima

• Seattle

• Portland

What happened to cars when the ash clogged their air filters?

• They died

• They exploded

• They sped up

• They became more fuel-efficient

What event was jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie supposed to attend in Spokane?

• A movie premiere

• A political rally

• A jazz concert

• A football game

What did residents use to clean up the ash from the streets and sidewalks?

• Brooms and shovels

• Leaf blowers

• Snow plows

• Vacuum cleaners

What was the main concern of farmers regarding the ash?

• It would be toxic to crops

• It would cause flooding

• It would destroy their equipment

• It would attract pests

Who visited Spokane to assess the situation and promise help?

• President Ronald Reagan

• President Jimmy Carter

• President Richard Nixon

• President Gerald Ford

How did the ash affect the sewer system during the cleanup?

• It improved water flow

• It clogged the system

• It purified the water

• It had no effect

What was one of the long-term effects of the ash on the region's wheat fields?

• Complete crop failure

• A gray line of ash still visible

• Permanent damage to the soil

• Increased pest infestations