 1991 Pinatubo Eruption (Philippines)

A. In March and April 1991, however, molten rock (magma) rising toward the surface from more than
20 miles (32 kilometers) beneath Pinatubo triggered small earthquakes and caused powerful steam
explosions that blasted three craters on the north flank of the volcano.
B. The world's largest volcanic eruption to happen in the past 100 years was the June 15, 1991,
eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines Specifically at Botolan, Zambales. Bursts of gas-
charged magma exploded into umbrella ash clouds, hot flows of gas and ash descended the
volcano's flanks and lahars swept down valleys.
C. The Mount Pinatubo eruptions buried some 18,000 ha of forest lands in ash fall of about 25 cm
(Paladio-Melosantos and others, this volume). The heaviest concentration of ash fall was in the
mountains of Botolan and San Marcelino in Zambales, in Porac and Floridablanca in Pampanga, and
in Bamban and Capas, Tarlac.
D. It was forecasted by scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the
U.S. Geological Survey, civil and military leaders were able to order massive evacuations and take
measures to protect property before the eruption. When Pinatubo threatened again to erupt in
1992, more than 90 percent of the respondents were forewarned and responded appropriately,
indicating a marked improvement in the system. However, some overreaction was observed as an
evacuation order was received by respondents who lived outside the danger zone.
E. More than 350 people died during the eruption, most of them from collapsing roofs. Disease that
broke out in evacuation camps and the continuing mud flows in the area caused additional deaths,
bringing the total death toll to 722 people. The event left more than 200,000 people homeless.
F. By heeding warnings of hazardous volcanic ash clouds from Pinatubo, commercial and military
pilots avoided severe damage to their aircraft and potentially saved hundreds of lives.
G. According to the Asian Development Bank The GNP for the year 1991 is expected to drop at 1.1 %
from 3.7 % in year 1990 due to the combined effects of the 1990 Luzon Earthquake and 1991 Mt.
Pinatubo Eruption in the economy.
H. Image result for did the eruption of pinatubo affect the performance of the country's economy
years after it occurred and how? Pinatubo 1991, greatly affect the sector of economy. Together
they caused widespread general devastation on agriculture, industry and commerce, infrastructure
and private property.

I. The costs of caring for evacuees (including construction of evacuation camps and relocation
centers) was at least 2.5 billion pesos ($US 93 million) in 1991-92, and an additional 4.2 billion
pesos ($US 154 million) was spent during the same period on dikes and dams to control lahars.
J. In 1991, 4,979 houses were totally destroyed and 70,257 houses were partially damaged. The
number decreased in 1992, when 3,281 houses were wholly destroyed and 3,137 units were
partially damaged

K. All measures and the budget that went into government’s pre-disaster plans are well-
justified. These are the things that are considered an important part of governance, which
should primarily care for the welfare and safety of its constituents. Moreover, the presence
of well-budgeted disaster mitigation plans should be a priority, not only in the national
government, but also in the local government level.