On this day 35 years ago, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo stranded dozens of tourists in the Philippines, with special flights arranged for Hong Kong residents.
This article was first published on June 13, 1991.
Thousands evacuated after powerful explosion in the Philippines
by Michael Bociurkiw in San Narciso
Theresita Santiago and her neighbors responded to the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines yesterday (June 12, 1991) the only way they could: they picked up their children and a few possessions and trekked 20 kilometers to safety in Olongapo City.
“I’m feeling very anxious right now,” Mrs. Santiago said, as her two-year-old son wiped a layer of grayish dust from his irritated eyes.
“Perhaps with God’s help we can return soon.”
The Santiagos were among tens of thousands escaping their homes as massive explosions, likened to atomic blasts, tore off the summit of Mount Pinatubo at 8:51 a.m. and again at 10:52 p.m. last night.
The first eruption released a huge column of ash and debris roughly 16 kilometers into the sky, while the second pushed the mushroom cloud much higher, likely 25 kilometers, according to observers.