14. The Mount St. Helens Eruption Warnings (1980)
In April 1980, Mount St. Helens exhibited signs of imminent eruption, including increased seismic activity and a growing bulge on its north flank. Washington Governor Dixy Lee Ray declared a state of emergency and established a “red zone” around the volcano, restricting public access. These proactive measures, based on scientific vigilance, led to the evacuation of thousands, saving numerous lives before the catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980 (usgs.gov).
