On this day 35 years ago, Mount Pinatubo’s eruption stranded dozens of tourists in Philippines, with special flights for Hongkongers
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.
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.
