The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) confirmed that Mount Pinatubo a phreatic eruption occurred at Pinatubo Crater.
Based on visual reports of an eruption plume and seismic, infrasound and satellite detection, DOST-PHIVOLCS confirms that a phreatic eruption occurred at Pinatubo Crater between 12:09 and 12:13PM.
The event was also confirmed to have occurred after ordnance disposal activities by the AFP, which has no relation to the condition of the volcano, on the northern flanks of Pinatubo conducted prior noon today.
So far, there have been no reports of ashfall from communities of Zambales over which the eruption plume dispersed. Considering that there has been very low seismic activity in the volcano in the past days and low diffuse volcanic CO2 flux measured at Pinatubo Crater Lake, and high infrasound over seismic energy released by the eruption, the event was likely driven by shallow hydrothermal processes beneath the edifice.
DOST-PHIVOLCS is cautioning the public to refrain from venturing in the vicinities of Pinatubo Volcano at this time. Local government units are advised to prohibit entry into Pinatubo Crater as shallow phreatic or hydrothermal explosions such as the event of today can occur without warning.
Mount Pinatubo had weak eruptions – PHIVOLCS
Communities and local government units surrounding Mount Pinatubo are reminded to be always prepared for both earthquake and volcanic hazards and to review, prepare and strengthen their contingency, emergency, and other disaster preparedness plans.
DOST-PHIVOLCS continues to strengthen its monitoring of the volcano with ongoing upgrades to the PVN, periodic geochemical surveys of the Pinatubo Crater lake and GPS and satellite analysis of ground deformation.
The prevailing Alert Level 0 status of the volcano is currently under consideration pending the results of ongoing GPS and InSAR data processing.
DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring the volcano’s condition and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.
Prior to its eruption in 1991, Mount Pinatubo was relatively unnoticed and heavily eroded . Its thick forest is supported by several thousand native Aeta, who fled the plains to the mountains when the Spaniards occupied the Philippines in 1565.
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