World Map › Major Eruptions › St. Helens 1980
Historic Eruption
1980 Eruption of St. Helens
18 May 1980 · Stratovolcano · United States of America
On 18 May 1980, St. Helens in United States of America erupted. The volcano rises to 2,549 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 5 out of 8, that of a paroxysmal eruption ejecting more than 1 km³ of material. It killed at least 61 people. Most deaths were caused by pyroclastic flows, lahars (volcanic mudflows) and ash and tephra fall. Damage is estimated at 2 billion US dollars at the time. The eruption triggered a tsunami with waves up to 250 m. It is associated with a magnitude 5.2 earthquake.
- Date
- 18 May 1980
- Volcano
- St. Helens
- Volcano Type
- Stratovolcano
- Elevation
- 2,549 m
- Country
- United States of America
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 5 out of 8
- Deaths
- 61
- Estimated Damage
- 2 billion US dollars
- Main Causes of Death
- Pyroclastic Flows, Lahars, Ash and Tephra
- Triggered Tsunami
- 1980 Tsunami · 250 m
- Associated Earthquake
- M 5.2
Other Significant Eruptions of St. Helens
- 18001800 Eruption · VEI 5 · Indirect Effects (Famine, Disease)
- 1860 BCE1860 BCE Eruption · VEI 6
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program