Which stratovolcano had the most devastating eruption in May 1980?

The most devastating eruption in May 1980 was that of Mount St. Helens. This volcano, located in Washington State, is famous for its catastrophic eruption on May 18, 1980, which caused massive destruction and loss of life. The eruption was preceded by a two-month series of earthquakes and steam-venting episodes, leading to the largest landslide in recorded history when the volcano's northern face collapsed. This collapse triggered a powerful explosive eruption that released a tremendous ash cloud, which reached heights of over 15 miles into the atmosphere.

The eruption devastated a large area around the volcano, destroying homes, forests, and wildlife, as well as causing significant ashfall that affected air travel and agriculture across several states. The event greatly advanced the scientific community's understanding of volcanic eruptions and their effects on the environment and human activities.

In contrast, the other volcanoes listed have had their own eruptions but none matched the scale and impact of Mount St. Helens' eruption in 1980. Mount Rainier, for example, is considered a significant risk due to its potential for future eruptions and lahars, but it was not the site of a notable eruption in May 1980. Meanwhile, Mount Lassen and Mount