MoleSCI
MoleSCI
MoleSCI
Mole
10 - Maaasahan
In the early days of April 1991 in Botolan, Zambales, Mount Pinatubo began a period of
heightened activity, manifesting in a series of eruptions that steadily escalated, releasing ash
and steam aloft. Because of this, the scientists watched for signs and on June 15, 1991, a huge
eruption occurred. It had various effects affecting the well-being of its residents, the
environment, and the global climate.
As of its human impact, there have been 847 deaths and 75,000 people displaced with many of
them facing temporary or permanent displacement. The eruption also resulted in extensive
harm to infrastructure including damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures in
Zambales caused by the ashfall and pyroclastic flows.
Additionally, the eruption's aftermath had a detrimental impact on the province's environment
as ash and volcanic debris caused soil erosion and contaminated water sources, disrupting local
ecosystems and harming aquatic life. It inflicted significant economic hardships in Zambales,
especially within the agricultural sector. Ashfall decimated crops, resulting in a sharp decline in
agricultural output, while the disruption of transportation networks impeded trade and
commerce.
Lastly, the eruption had a noticeable but short-lived effect on the world's weather. When the
volcano erupted, it released tiny particles into the atmosphere, which blocked some sunlight
and made the Earth cooler for a few years. This messed up normal weather patterns in different
places. Furthermore, it damaged the protective layer of ozone high up in the sky. Scientists still
study this eruption to understand how volcanoes can affect our planet's climate.