Life on the Caribbean's Most Dangerous Volcano

Exploring a different side of volcanic eruptions- the science they facilitate, the people they displace, and the murky mix of natural disasters and tourism.
Special thanks:
Eric Matt: / ericmattt
Sun Lea: montserratislandtours.com/
Dr. Graham Ryan, MVO
David Lea
Become a channel member to access raw footage and extended tutorials: / @aidinrobbins
📧 Contact Me: [e-mail]
📸 Instagram: / aidinrobbins
Further Reading:
Montserrat Volcano Observatory: / mvoms
John F. Cherry and Krysta Ryzewski- An Archaeological History of Montserrat in the West Indies: amzn.to/41Fg7aL
Clive Oppenheimer- Mountains of Fire: The Menace, Meaning, and Magic of Volcanoes: press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/...
Lally Brown- The Volcano, Montserrat and Me: Twenty years with an active volcano: amzn.to/41H0LCM
Illustrations:
National Archives: catalog.archives.gov/id/20007616
Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/item/2022670316/
www.loc.gov/item/2022670317/
British Library: imagesonline.bl.uk/asset/14372/
imagesonline.bl.uk/asset/155997/
Maps/Graphics:
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/resource/g4800.ma...
www.loc.gov/item/2016586629/
Documents:
Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/item/02013437/
www.loc.gov/item/2016586628/
www.loc.gov/item/2016586627/
www.loc.gov/item/2016586778/
www.loc.gov/item/2016586626/
Archival Articles:
Sugar trade: www.newspapers.com/article/th...
Slave emancipation: www.newspapers.com/article/be...
Eruption: www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/wa...
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - The History
5:12 - The Eruption
8:10 - The Aftermath
10:06 - The Science
18:26 - Outro
The links above are affiliate links, from which I gain a small monetary compensation when purchases are made. They help keep the lights on ;)

[@ColinThePollen]

This guy does documentary’s better than National Geographic in my opinion. Because they are short, the filmmaking is good, and they are very interesting.

[@PacNorthOR]

Literally came to the comments section to say the SAME EXACT THING!

[@daveforz]

agreed. it's very clear that some of those journalists/filmmakers are only there because of who they know.. Aidin's stuff deserves more attention.

[@bijanavvalentino4317]

PREACH!!!!!!

[@indiarobbins4372]

Facts! ✨

[@ozragland3455]

i experience more artful pauses and time between the words to reflect.

[@mjolk1681]

The way you blend together the history, geology and culture of the places you travel to is extraordinary. I would go as far as saying you are one of the top creators on the whole platform right now. Keep up the quality work.

[@indiarobbins4372]

I second that ❤️

[@lavernewhite8]

Thanks for visiting my Little island , You Did Us Proud

[@AidinRobbins]

That means the world- it's a wonderful place 🙌

[@stefanrogers9091]

I’ve been fascinated by the story of Montserrat and actually was lucky to visit a few years ago. It was such a surreal experience, the north of the island was vibrant and home to one of the closest most genuine communities I’ve ever met, but then just a few miles south it’s like a different planet, completely desolate and under a seemingly endless dark cloud. I’m so happy to see you covering it, it is so much more than a geography study but a place that people called home.

[@ericmattt]

Beautifully done man! It was a privilege joining you on this trip!

[@AidinRobbins]

Thanks for being a part of it man! More volcs in 2024 ✈️

[@lenvallester5087]

This is the best short documentary I've seen about Montserrat...the island of my birth The historical content was rich and insightful. I was one such displaced when my home, not too far from the volcano was destroyed in 1997. Now living in the UK, it's great to see the island has not been forgotten but draws the interest of the curious explorer. Great job.

[@MorganHJackson]

Dude the mix you have of classic adventure (the set you have with those maps, the breathtaking views of the rainforests) mixed with modern science and conversations is a really good combo. The total lack of over-the-top drama is also a really good change from what a lot of other documentaries do. It seems so much more real and serious, and helps to restore a sense that there are still things to discover in the world, a sense that is really hard to come by in these days of internet and smartphones.

[@Romblaylog]

My family is from Montserrat and so many of my family members are returning to the island! It’s a special place! Thank you so much for this!

[@punspanini]

have been fascinated with Montserrat recently and was planning to visit but surprised at lack of videos and new photos or info, taking this video as a sign and as always thnx for the amazing work

[@dont155]

Dude, I don't know why KZbin took so long to bring your videos to my feed, but I'm VERY glad it did. Your talent and documentary skills are AMAZING. I mean like on par with David Attenborough - this is master class stuff!! Your voice too - while not David's voice, it just as easy to listen to. Just WOW. ❤❤❤

[@rovethepnw_]

You never fail to amaze with these videos, a full blend of information, adventure and filmmaking. Safe travels and a happy New Year Aidin! You rock man!

[@rcordiner]

Absolutely stunning work dude. It's so amazing to see how far you've come 😊

[@MrFreddGG]

Thanks for this glorious documentary. Definitely you’re my fav content creator about nature. Thanks for being a a great inspiration for all filmmaking and nature lovers 🙏🏻🙏🏻 happy new year 🎊

[@archie2132]

Your videos are so breathtakingly beautiful. I am truly lost for words everyone time I see one of them. I feel like I just read a classical book, listened to an amazing poem or just listened to an orchestra. Your skills is pure genius. I sit in awe truly, like I’ve just walked out of a museum.

[@MrRogerholmen]

Amazing work! Your videos keeps getting better and better!

[@twod0ves]

There's some genuinely beautiful cinematography going on in this. Incredible work.

[@PEN32]

I love to watch your interviews because somehow it seems to me that you get the most honest answers and a lot of information from people, and besides, the scenes you capture are of high quality. I dare say that National Geographic would envy the way you do it. Keep it up. Don't rush, throw out the quality! All the best :)

[@dirtcopdualsport]

I absolutely love these films! I watch all of you films in the hopes I can gleam just a little bit of the quality you put into them!

[@Kedvespatikus]

A good sequel to this documentary would be a film about Mt. Pelée, the sister of Soufriére. Also a larger, but more detailed tectonic picture of that area could be interesting, reasoning why those volcanoes exist at the first place, and why are both among the most deadliest volcanoes on Earth. Seeing this film, you are more than capable to this sequel.

[@BLDVideos]

Your skills are on another level, love how you are able to capture a place. Thanks for being an inspiration to making films about the location and less about ourselves as creators.

[@theasadgenius]

Aidin your storytelling is next level no doubt in that, But your visual storytelling is also getting mind blowing 🤯

[@Spvwvky]

your camera work is really inspiring

[@user-dm84]

This was fascinating, with a great interview. Thank you!

[@andrewwatkins4852]

I been to the Caribbean three times and it’s beautiful and I remember seeing the eruption on the news

[@susanjacquier5358]

Thank you for an exceptional video. I really appreciated Dr Graham's calm, educational insight into how they are working around/ with this volcano. Im relatively new to the science ( ahh, the joys of the internet for senior citizens 😊), and there is so much to learn.

[@helencogan2187]

Amazing work, Aidin!!!

[@SomeoneCalledDana]

beautiful documentary work!!

[@nicholaspearson4246]

I was on Montserrat island for two weeks in 1988. Has a wonderful time, met some great locals, hiked up the hills and visited the the dormant Soufrierre Hills. What a shock it was to find out a couple of years later that half the island was devastated by the volcano.

[@katiemei3118]

Amazing video! You’re such a great storyteller!

[@thomasshealy962]

Wonderful job, Aidin! So much effort and interest in this; it's amazing to know!

[@VenDettaHDx]

Currently in Guadeloupe for holidays an just stumbled across this video. Amazing documentary, with beautiful cinematic shots and lots of insights about the history and geology of the island. Great job

[@je163]

Fantastic video, loved the cinematic stills with the sleight camera shake

[@polaris8126]

I vaguely remember this story. I was 16 at the time. Very nice documentary! Thank you for your work all year! You bring more and more quality works to the table every year! Happy New Year to you! 🍾🥂😉👊

[@gaius_enceladus]

Excellent video! It really showed how beautiful Montserrat is - the lovely beaches, the lush forest and the volcano too. Wonderful footage of the volcanologist there too - a very knowledgeable man!

[@RikBroeders]

Soooo good!!!🙌🏼

[@DonvanDoorn]

Absolutely fantastic work!

[@fabiomorich]

The best docs are on this channel! Thank you for sharing and bringing us on this journey Aidin!

[@vincemindas]

Your videos are so well done!

[@smography6131]

Awesome storytelling and cinematography bro

[@AlexWander]

Another beautiful documentary Aidin! Keep up the amazing work!

[@Stealth_Pilot]

Life is good when Aidin posts

[@giddygoblin]

This is amazing. You're videos of just as, if not more professional then many established television network that focus on the same things. Very informative and beautiful.

[@YUCoolfreak]

I was totally into the zone man!! amazing story telling. Great amount of work, Much support, keep making !! Thanks.

[@corgless2906]

Back in school I was in the gifted program. We ended up doing this simulation thing for Montserrat with the hurricane and eruption where us students were in charge of tracking the hurricane and planning Evacuation. A really fun experience

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Amazing work. ✌️

[@RoccoGermani]

Another fantastic video Aidin! Looking forward to the next one!

[@benjaminmatheny6683]

An excellently done interview.

[@JJLewin1]

I was living in Montserrat on the build up to the volcanic activity. I had only just arrived there when water became hard to get and people were worried about what may happen. I spent 3 months there and fell in love with the island. It will be reborn and be as beautiful as it was before. Beautiful country and people :)

[@artemissth]

Excellent documentary!

[@maisonfield2148]

Beautiful video great work!

[@darylswalker]

Insane dude! Incredible work and loved the interview

[@madamecampsalot6384]

Awesome, as always. Thank you! 'Nuf said.

[@chris_iapetus]

Excellent production. Fascinating subject. Love it.

[@ragtagfox]

Amazing production for an amazing story!

[@dt3535]

Very good job... Amazing documentary👏👏👏 you inspire creativity....

[@kishensookoo7815]

Very interesting and nicely done video

[@dbvnyc]

This is a well-curated documentary, far superior to Nat Geo's, the best I have seen on Montserrat. I hope he continues his excellent work. Montserrat and its people are fantastic, and it deserves all the support and tourism it can get.

[@oo4371]

this was well done production: clear, understandable,

[@EpicMedia_Production]

Another great film by Aidin Robbers! I love your work! Fun to watch. Please, keep creating!

[@letsgo8659]

I love your documentaries. Very beautiful filmmaking, great supporting music, well-placed pauses, no filler talk. It feels more genuine than tv documentaries as well, you sound like someone talking about stuff you're passionate about, not like some presenter over emphasizing a script. How do you make that video style? Are you diffusing lighting in some way?

[@eegarim]

Another excellent video.🏆 Each one is so well researched and produced. I am extremely impressed with the quality of your work and how prolific you are on all sorts of different subjects.

[@martinelli2651]

Good work, keep it up so we can appreciate every documentary of yours.

[@davidtott3069]

Good work the way you put forward this history it's amazing

[@arturocarrions]

You should go to the Angel Falls in Venezuela. It is the highest waterfall in the world and the mountains in the area are unique. They truly are like something out of this world

[@charlesjmouse]

It's a strange feeling to remember being on honeymoon in St Lucia when Monserrat's volcano was erupting. I distinctly remember visiting the botanic gardens located within the crater of St Lucia's own 'Soufrière' and noting the ash column on the horizon as our idiot guide said, "While we are of course walking within the crater of our own active volcano it will never erupt because the river that runs through it keeps the magma cool." Looking from the horizon to the Pitons nearby I asked how they were formed? He said without irony, "During a previous eruption."

[@rapidthrash1964]

I swear more than half of these abandoned shots resemble what every player will find in a post apocalyptic video game

[@mndoci]

Your storytelling and choice of topics is top notch

[@mlacademyllc]

LOVED IT, thank you!!!

[@ixamedia6572]

BEautiful Shots! Beautiful Colors!

[@UnknownICECUBE]

video was great, but could have used a tripod or video stabilization for the interview

[@benlightfoot3278]

Wow- great narrative, you have this presence- it's hard to describe but you are so good at this

[@toxgame2238]

Keep up the work

[@jaredeckert]

@aidinrobbins you are my favorite creator on this platform. Your story telling is world class. Nothing gets me excited to create like you do. Hoping to run into someday. I’m based in the Carolina’s too.

[@motionpoetry]

Mesmerizing ❤❤

[@haunted_lunchbox]

This channel is my new favorite ❤

[@bitemyshite]

great work

[@moniquevelasco20]

Excellent documentary Aidin. Monserrat is so beautiful. Have a wonderful Happy New Year and best wishes. Love and be safe!🤗😘🎄🇻🇪

[@NoOverhead]

Beautiful film!

[@NightshadeTactical]

Absolutely incredible.

[@ryanoconnell57]

I will continue watching all of your videos! Keep it up :D

[@bryancohn9406]

Another brilliant piece of film making sir.

[@remonswind]

This piece is gonna explode,,, appreciate the hard work man.

[@gwjwngsarbrahma9125]

What a content❤❤❤, cenimatic, sound design, voice over all are master piece

[@mikeybhoutex]

This is such a beautiful visual piece, and well told in the short time you've allotted. I'm not eloquent enough to say more, just... I want to visit for myself and take in the beauty. Alas, I cannot at this time, but maybe one day my ship will come in. Until then, I await your next video which I'm sure will be just as beautiful.

[@AdityaaChouksey]

I'm blown by this documentary!

[@EddieB.Realtor]

I just discovered your channel and im 5 videos in. Great documentaries & content 👏

[@danielnaberhaus5337]

That was amazing

[@zonkerr76]

Wonderfully done! Absolutely beautiful!!

[@mistysowards7365]

Really good job. I'd say your a natural, but I'm sure you've got plenty of trial and error and a solid team. Was a pleasure to watch.

[@l.faraday8767]

Thank you. This was an extremely interesting video. 🇨🇦

[@Lt_Master_Sgt_Field_QM_Pores]

Amazing video! Would be great, if possible at some point, to see one on Pinatubo.

[@cali_absa]

I absolutely adore your videos

[@blw957]

Your documentary is nicely done! Being close to Mt. St. Helens, I can relate to the horrifying feelings around an active volcano. I love how they are learning more about the challenges of living in the shadow of such activity and the predictive opportunities we can gather from the data. BTW, that island's flora is stunning. 👍

[@Luuzuo]

Keep up the good work! 😎

[@AidinRobbins]

🥹

[@michaelsadams524]

This video is very well done. Aidin, I will be watching more of your videos. Also, I will pray for Montserrat and its people.

[@ungenbunyon5548]

New subscriber, love your videos so im going to binge watch them =]

[@prof.heinous191]

Good film!

[@charlotteroke9586]

I love this content

[@andreguimaraes4209]

Congratulations on your fantastic documentary. It is totally educative and very well presented. I'm a geologist, and it's amazing to see how you describe the geological activities in the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc and volcanism science. The only thing I would like to add is that the plate tectonic that is subducting is the North American Plate. Out of that, all information is correctly presented. I've started following you and am excited to watch more great videos. All the best

[@zbeknelson]

I am a huge fan of your contents

[@forestkane_]

he is like a mix of timtothewild(rip) and johnny harris