The Eruption of Mount Amett

The eruption of Mount Amett was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, and caused the destruction of nearly two dozen villages. Though the exact death toll is unknown it likely exceeds that of one thousand lives lost, which is a considerable number considering the low population present in this rather rural area.

History

The area around Mount Amett has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The exact date of settlement is unclear, but it is likely that the fertile soil caused by volcanic eruptions that likely occurred long before the area was settled. In over 600 years of recorded history of the region, no eruptions severe enough to notably impact the villages in the immediate area were recorded. 

Eruption and Consequences

Several months before the eruption, the local people began noticing an increase in tremors and minor earthquakes. Those people who knew the area nearer to the top of the mountain well also noted an increase in the emission of certain gasses and subtle temperature changes. A team of traveling scientists studying the rich plant life in the region noted down many of these observations as part of their studies, and thus it is clear that these signs were seen at least six months before the eruption occurred.
In spite of this, most of the people living in the area did not believe the volcano would actually erupt after being dormant for so long. In some villages, the question of whether or not to evacuate ahead of time became a highly controversial issue with the social and religious leaders usually advocating staying. Only three villages evacuated in their entirety, one of them two weeks prior the eruption and the other two about a week later. When the eruption finally happened, these villages may have lost most of their buildings but were entirely spared of casualties among both the populace and the livestock, while those communities that stayed suffered incredible losses. In the end, the three villages that evacuated, known now as the Heeding Three, were the only ones that were properly rebuilt and that still have thriving communities.