Dela Cruz, Jezel Aira C.
AE – 204
MT. PINATUBO ERUPTION OF 1991
On June 15, 1991, the second largest eruption in the 20th century happened.
Before the initial eruption, huge cloud of volcanic ash and gases rises above Mt. Pinatubo
warning the residents of its eruption. Three days later, the volcano exploded impacting
the densely populated area of Zambales and the nearby provinces. Although 5,000
people were able to get to safety beforehand, a lot of people still suffered from its
catastrophic damage. People still hasn’t recovered from the event and the hazard of this
eruption continues until today.
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo had far-reaching consequences in terms of
environmental, economic, and social factors. Damage and casualties were caused by
pyroclastic flows, lahars, and the ashfall danger. Natural disasters, such as this one, will
have a significant impact on our ecosystem. Volcanic mudflows, which destroyed
agricultural fields and buildings, erosion of water banks, and a fall in animal numbers due
to the fast-flowing lava are some of the environmental repercussions of the eruption.
Global cooling was triggered by a shift in the makeup of the gases in the atmosphere. 15
million tons of sulfur dioxide were expelled into the stratosphere, and 10 billion tons of
magma were discharged into the atmosphere. Economically, airports in major cities were
forced to close, farmland was rendered worthless for years, and buildings collapsed,
displacing thousands of people. The economy of Central Luzon was thrown into disarray.
The social element of the country was also impacted as a result of the extensive
destruction. Property and economic loss totaled over half a billion dollars as a result of
the eruption. A total of 847 persons deceased, including 300 killed by collapsing roofs
and 100 killed by lahars. Moreover, millions of individuals have lost their homes, forcing
them to relocate to various cities. The natural rhythms of our environment were also
affected by the eruption. Volcanic eruptions have significant implications for our water,
carbon, and nitrogen cycles. Because enormous amounts of greenhouse gases such as
water vapor and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, the water cycle will be
triggered. Global warming could occur if these gases are released in excess. The carbon
cycle is also impacted by the emission of molten rocks and lava. Because living things
like plants and animals are part of this cycle, there is a decline in production if there aren't
enough producers of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The nitrogen cycle is a continuous cycle
that flows through both living and non-living things. Nitrogen is transformed into a variety
of forms that circulate in the atmosphere, on land, and in the sea. Changes in between
these cycles are most likely to occur as a result of natural occurrences such as volcanic
eruptions.
The aftermath of a volcanic eruption has some benefits as well. Volcanic materials
such as rocks and ashes produce fertile soils or even lands, resulting in increased food
production and the development of civilizations. A plentiful supply of crops boosts the
economy of the country and may allow us to export to other countries. Many mineral
resources are brought to the surface, and volcanic rocks are used extensively in
landscaping, tiles, and cement. Because of magma in the surface, geothermal energy
can also be generated following a volcanic explosion. The Mt. Pinatubo Eruption in 1991
was a disastrous and traumatizing experience for Filipinos. The activity of this volcano
continues until today and still hasn’t gone stagnant. Despite the fact that it was a sad
tragedy in our country's history, individuals were able to learn from it and pass on these
lessons to future generations.