On June 12, 1991, a massive cloud of volcanic ash and gas rises above Mount Pinatubo

in the Philippines. The volcano erupted three days later, causing the second-largest volcanic eruption on
Earth this century. Scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, as well as the
United States Geological Survey, made accurate predictions about the eruption. People living near the
volcano were able to move to safer distances thanks to the work of the Geological Survey, saving at least
5,000 lives. Typhoon Yunna hit the Philippines at the same time as the eruption, channeling the ash
away from the usual distribution out to sea and into the island of Luzon. Wet ash resulted from this mix,
increasing pressure on structures and accounting for a substantial share of the 847 deaths due to roof
collapse.

Volcanoes eject highly flammable gases, ash, lava, and rock, all of which are highly
destructive. Volcanic eruptions have killed people. Additional health risks from volcanic eruptions
include floods, mudslides, power outages, contaminated drinking water, and wildfires. However, in
March and April 1991, molten rock (magma) rising to the surface from depths of more than 20 miles (32
kilometers) created mild earthquakes and huge steam explosions that blasted three craters on the
volcano's north side.

This disaster effect on someoe’s life is trauma of course. 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. On June 15, as even more strongly gas-
charged magma reached the volcano's surface, it burst, shooting an ash cloud 40 kilometers (25 miles)
into the atmosphere. The region was coated with volcanic ash and pumice. Over 840 people were killed
as roofs collapsed due to the wet, heavy ash, and many more were injured.

Pre-eruption social standing and community leadership have been harmed by

evacuations and devastation caused by the volcano. Psychological stress is at an all-time high. Decisions
regarding how to reduce the risk of a lahar have sparked suspicions among neighbors. Decisions on how
to structure resettlement zones have sparked heated debate, with some fearing that well-intentioned
humanitarian assistance is becoming a substitute for self-sufficiency. Viable resettlement options are
desperately needed, with provisions for economic and social stability taking precedence over housing
and visible public infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands of people in central Luzon have been affected in
various ways by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and its muddy aftermath, depending on the
individual hazard and their physical vulnerability to it. The impacts of the volcanic eruption are studied
separately from the effects of lahars and floods to ensure accuracy in measuring the social and
psychological impact of Mount Pinatubo on the populace.