A mother and her daughter described their miraculous survival from a devastating volcanic eruption that decimated a significant portion of Montserrat. Olivette and Adena Johnson shared their harrowing escape from the catastrophic Soufriere Hills eruptions of the mid-1990s in an exclusive interview with The Mirror.
Remarkably, the mother-daughter duo continues to reside on the Caribbean island despite the ongoing volcanic activity, with the last major eruption occurring in 2010. Adena showcases life on Montserrat through her TikTok account, highlighting the island’s vibrant beauty while acknowledging the challenges they faced to reach their current situation.
After briefly relocating to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, the pair returned to Montserrat due to a deep longing for their homeland. Their resilience and unique perspective on living near an active volcano garnered global attention through a series of TikTok videos.
The volcanic eruptions in 1995 and 1997 devastated Montserrat, leading to mass evacuations and significant loss of life. The Johnsons, like many families, were forced to seek refuge in other countries, including the UK. The population of Montserrat drastically declined post-eruptions but has gradually recovered over the years.
Olivette, 68, vividly recalled the tense moments of evacuation and witnessing the destructive power of the volcano firsthand. Adena, who was a child during the eruptions, remembered seeking shelter in churches turned makeshift sanctuaries for displaced families.
Despite the challenges, Olivette continued her work as a seamstress, crafting uniforms for the Montserrat police force. The family’s resilience was tested when Olivette had to adapt her sewing business after the airport, where she worked, was destroyed by volcanic activity.
Following their temporary relocation to the US Virgin Islands, the Johnsons returned to Montserrat and settled in Gerald’s village, actively participating in the community’s recovery efforts. Today, they embrace their tight-knit community and take pride in showcasing Montserrat’s resilience and rebirth.
Adena, in addition to her marketing job, uses TikTok as a platform to share their survival story, aiming to educate younger generations about the island’s tumultuous past. She emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing the volcano stories that have shaped Montserratian identity.
The Johnsons’ journey serves as a testament to their strength, resilience, and unwavering connection to their homeland, symbolizing the spirit of Montserrat’s enduring community.