Operation Fiery Vigil

Response and Recovery - Eruptions June 1991 Orientation Orientation (cont.) Orientation (cont.)

• Province – Largest island in the Philippine archipelago • MAGTF 4-90 deployed to the Republic of the following a coup attempt against the Aquino government Orientation (cont.)

• Clark Air Force Base, Angeles – Approx. 18,000 US personnel and dependants • Subic Naval Base, Olongapo – Approx. 20,000 US personnel and dependants Situation

• In Apr 91, several nuns walking in the vicinity of Mt. Pinatubo noticed smoke coming from vents in the ground – Volcano last erupted ~500 years ago • PHILVOCS and personnel from the USGS dispatched to the area to begin monitoring Situation (cont.)

• The of Mt. Pinatubo began to grow, and the mountain begins to put out plumes of ash • PHILVOCS became concerned that there is an increasing chance of a catastrophic eruption • On 7 JUN 91, Pinatubo erupted, sending up a 7 km (4.5 mi) high plume of ash – Thin layer of dust reached Subic

Situation (cont.)

• Fearing a serious eruption in the near future, the commanding general of Clark Air Force Base ordered an evacuation to Subic Naval Base – 18,000 Air Force personnel and their dependents made the trip—mostly in their own vehicles

Situation (cont.) • Subic began to receive the influx of refugees – Living space was at a premium • 14 JUN 91 – A larger eruption coated Subic with a thicker layer of ash • PHILVOCS advised that a catastrophic eruption is imminent—within 24 hours – All MAGTF personnel were recalled from liberty – COC was activated Situation (cont.) • 15 JUN 91 – Mt Pinatubo erupted catastrophically – Over 6 cubic miles of material were ejected up to 22 miles high and 300 miles across

Pyroclastic Flows Filipino Refugees Situation (cont.)

• Earthquakes • Lightning Storms • Volcanic “bombs” • Ash clouds/darkness

Response

• Minimal loss of life – 3 US deaths – 300-700 Filipino deaths out of ~1 million living in a 30 mile radius – Numerous building destroyed • Lack of food/water/power – Hygiene issues Response (cont.)

• Evacuation from Subic – USS Abraham Lincoln – Airhead in Cebu – Follow-on evacuation to: • Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan • Anderson AFB, Guam • McChord AFB, Washington • MV Jack Lummus

Area of Initial Impact

• Initial eruption did little damage to Clark AFB • Subsequent responsible for most of the damage Lahars Recovery

• Power Grid • Water • Ash removal – Naval magazines – Airfield • Looting Aftermath

• Mt. Pinatubo eruption – Second most powerful eruption in the past 100 years – Before eruption: 1,755 meters high – After eruption: 1,485 meters high • Ash deposits up to 600 ft thick • Change in global weather/temp

Lake Pinatubo 2001– A New Concern Questions?