PHOTOS: Wednesday marks 42nd anniversary of Mount Saint Helens eruption
by KOMO/KATU Staff
On Sunday, May 18, 1980 at 8:32 a.m., the bulging north flank of Mount St. Helens slid away in a massive landslide -- the largest in recorded history. Seconds later, the uncorked volcano exploded and blasted rocks northward across forest ridges and valleys, destroying everything in its path within minutes. (Photo courtesy of USGS)
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The volcano, which was dormant for over a century, erupted at 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980.
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The blast killed 57 people and put out 3.2 billion tons of ash. Debris from the eruption covered more than 24 miles of land and damaged surrounding property.
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