Author Claims Cover-Up After May 18, 1980 Eruption

[Viva_La_Revolution]

May 13, 2005
Author Claims Cover-Up After May 18, 1980 Eruption

by KATU Web Staff
Author Frank Parchman claims Washington State officials knew in 1980 that a major eruption by Mt. St. Helens was imminent, and that they did nothing to warn people in the area.

He says a cover-up then took place. On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens had an explosive eruption that lasted nine hours, killed 57 people and devastated a large area of Washington wilderness.

Parchman claims that six days before the massive May 18 eruption, scientists urged the late Washington governor Dixie Lee Ray to clear the area around the volcano. The author claims the governor ignored the warning.

more + video link
http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=77116

[knowbody0]

1. i was there

and if ever they needed the EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM, it was may 18 1980............but we got nothing

[classof56]

2. Hmmm...I seem to recall a lot of people getting very upset w/Dixie

because she made full and part-time residents who lived near the mountain evacuate a day or two before the big eruption. I clearly remember one evacuee who was interviewed on TV stating something like, "This mountain has done everything to us she can. We don't have anything to worry about." Many seemed to think Dixie was grandstanding and overstepping her authority. I believe that USGS had declared the areas around the mtn where people were camping, volcano watching, logging, etc., to be safe zones, which ended up being where most victims died. Nobody could have predicted the magnitude of the eruption. These are my recollections from my vantage point about 100 miles or so to the south of Mt. St. Helens, where the May 25 eruption covered us with a lot of ash. I haven't read what Parchman has to say, but again, I do recall that Gov. Ray was paying attention to the situation and made attempts to get folks out of harm's way.

[uppityperson]

3. I was nearby, knew people who were right close

They didn't know what they were doing. There were warnings going out from the scientists that a massive explosion could take place. Forest service employees were guarding roads too near the mt because people were trying to get closer. Many people didn't believe it was dangerous.

Politicians were under immense pressure from several sides, scientists saying close a wider area, forest service saying wtf, residents wanting to go home to live or even get stuff, tourists wanting to get closer to see. They didn't know what they were doing.

My sister didn't die. My friends didn't die. They were very lucky to not be on duty when she erupted or the visitors center would have a different name and my family would be 1 member short.

[oneold1-4u]

4. Incorrect info

The warnings were loud and clear but hundreds of people left their families and jobs just to go see up close and personal. Many did everything they could to get around road blocks and get closer for a once in a life chance at viewing and capturing on film one of natures greatest spectacles. Many died for their endeavors and there really is no one to blame. Right now is a good time to consider yourself and your family's safety and security in case of any emergency.
"Chase rainbows instead of emergency vehicles!"

[carpetbagger]

5. Like most things, it seemed clearer from a distance.

I was living about as far away as you can be from the mountain and still get the national news (Miami). The unequivocal message I heard was get the hell away from the mountain.

Like I said, these things always seem much clearer away from the action.

[oregonjen]

6. I remember Harry Truman

The press made a huge deal about him not wanting to leave his mountain. That is where his wife was and he was not going to leave. Somebody even wrote a song about him and it was played over and over on the local radio stations. I don't think there was any cover-up. I just don't think anyone had any idea what Mt. St. Helens was going to do and how devastating she was going to be.

[Radio_Lady]

7. Stop calling mountains "she" -- a mountain is an "it" --

We went through this when hurricanes started to be called by female names. More recently, they added male names alternating on a list.

I could never understand this. Mountains (and boats) have no sexuality. They should not be referred to this way.

Just one of my (female) pet peeves!

In peace,

Radio Lady

[oregonjen]

8. I guess we agree to disagree

I have heard this all my life here in Oregon. Family, friends, the local news all calling our mountains "she" or "her"

Also, boats are correctly identified as a "she" not sure where you're getting your info. I just asked my sail boating friends how they refer to boats and they said, "she."

I'm sorry this bothers you so much. Take a deep breath and relax.
:hi: