Mount Pinatubo Eruption - Eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Updated November 11, 2010 In June 1991, the second largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century* took place on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, a mere 90 kilometers (55 miles) northwest of the capital city Manila. Up to 800 people were killed and 100,000 became homeless following the Mount Pinatubo eruption, which climaxed with nine hours of eruption on June 15, 1991. On June 15, millions of tons of sulfur dioxide were discharged into the atmosphere, resulting in a decrease in the temperature worldwide over the next few years. Mount Pinatubo is part of a chain of composite volcanoes along the Luzon arc on the west coast of the island (area map).
The arc of volcanoes is due to the subduction of the Manila trench to the west. The volcano experienced major eruptions approximately 500, 3000, and 5500 years ago. In mid-March 1991, villagers around Mount Pinatubo began feeling earthquakes and vulcanologists began to study the mountain. Earthquakes and explosions continued. The Eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines. Mt. Pinatubo Explosion At Clark Air Base, Philippines Part 1. Pinatubo. Mount Pinatubo Eruption.