Thousands evacuate in Philippines as Mount Pinatubo erupts in 1991 – from the SCMP archive

This article was published on June 13, 1991.

Thousands evacuated after massive explosion in Philippines

Volcano’s plume soars 25km

by Michael Bociurkiw in San Narciso

Theresita Santiago and her neighbours dealt with the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines yesterday (June 12, 1991) the only way they could: they grabbed their children and a few belongings and walked 20 kilometres to sanctuary in Olongapo City.

“I’m feeling very nervous right now,” Mrs Santiago said, as her two-year-old son wiped a layer of greyish dust away from his sore eyes.

“Maybe with God’s help we can return soon.”

The Santiagos were among tens of thousands fleeing from their homes as massive explosions, described as atomic blasts, ripped the top off Mount Pinatubo at 8.51am and again at 10.52pm last night.

The first eruption belched an awesome plume of ash and debris about 16 kilometres into the sky, the second sent the mushroom much higher, probably 25km, according to observers.