St Pierre, the capital of Martinique in the West Indies, was completely wiped out in 1902 due to a catastrophic event known as the eruption of Mount Pelée. This devastating event was caused by the eruption of the volcano, which led to the destruction of the entire city and the loss of thousands of lives.

The eruption of Mount Pelée on May 8, 1902, was one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century. The volcano had been showing signs of increased activity for weeks before the eruption, but many residents of St Pierre did not evacuate as they were unaware of the imminent danger. When the volcano finally erupted, it unleashed a massive pyroclastic flow that engulfed the city in a matter of minutes, killing almost all of its inhabitants.

The destruction of St Pierre was so complete that the city was often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Caribbean." The once-thriving capital of Martinique was reduced to ruins, with only a few buildings left standing amidst the devastation. The tragic events of 1902 left a lasting impact on the island and its people, who were forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.

If you are interested in learning more about the eruption of Mount Pelée and the destruction of St Pierre, you can visit the following websites for additional information:

• Britannica - St Pierre, Martinique
• Volcano Discovery - St Pierre, Martinique

Overall, the catastrophic event that wiped out St Pierre in 1902 serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. The tragic loss of life and destruction of the city are a testament to the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

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