What actions were taken before, during and after the eruption ? Before 25 June 1997 the British Government began to fund a temporary infrastructure in the north of the island including a jetty, roads, water and electricity. This development was extremely slow and the housing conditions were of a poorer quality than the local population were used to. During this time the British and Montserrat Governments both adopted a 'wait and see' approach because the volcano had not been particularly active up until this point. More significantly, if the developments in the north of the island remained temporary less funding would have to be given. Actions taken by the MVO on 25 June 1997 helped to save lives. Continuous monitoring of the volcano enabled the scientists to predict that an eruption would be likely that day and evacuations of controlled areas within the exclusion zone were conducted successfully. Search and rescue teams were deployed quickly, enabling survivors to be picked up by helicopter or vehicle. Specialist medical support ensured treatment for burns victims. After 25 June 1997 the volcano went through a period of violent eruption. The Exclusion Zone was extended and greater pressure was put on the remaining facilities in the North. The airport and the Plymouth port were closed and eventually destroyed by pyroclastic flows. The British Government finally agreed to fund a crisis programme of action (£56 million) and to support development in the north of the island. Other Caribbean islands, organisations such as CDERA and the Red Cross also gave aid to Montserrat. As recently as March 2003 the Soufrière Hills Volcano is still active and shows signs of slighlty increased activity. Lava dome growth, pyroclastic flows and rockfalls are still being observed. As long as the volcano is active there can be no development or return to the south of the island.