The Epic Mt. St. Helens Eruption: Venus Dergan and Ronald Reitan's Unexpected Survival | E122

In this episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing events of the Mount St. Helens eruption. They share vivid survivor stories, including Venus Dergan, Ronald Reitan's narrow escape, and explore the geological forces that led to the catastrophic 1980 event. The episode delves into the science behind the eruption, the warning signs observed by volcanologists, and the legacy of the event that claimed 57 lives, including that of USGS volcanologist David Johnston.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Podcast

00:18 Mount St. Helens Eruption: A Personal Connection

01:33 Survivors' Harrowing Experiences

01:59 Memories and Impact of the Eruption

07:42 Scientific Insights and Volcanic Activity

15:35 The Growing Danger and Public Response

19:44 Mount St. Helens: The Unseen Danger

20:27 The Terrifying Escape

21:06 A Nightmare Come True

23:06 The Aftermath and Rescue

28:40 Understanding Volcanoes

30:56 The Eruption's Impact

34:13 Remembering the Victims

37:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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https://www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-culture/2017/10/survivors-of-the-mount-st-helens-eruption-tell-their-story

https://www.columbian.com/news/2005/may/15/survivors-story-taste-death/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toutle,_Washington

https://www.census.gov/history/www/homepage_archive/2020/may_2020.html#:~:text=When%20Mount%20St.%20Helens%20erupted%20on%20May%2018%2C,1980%2C%20the%20county%20was%20home%20to%207%2C919%20people.