Thousands evacuate in Philippines as Mount Pinatubo erupts in 1991 – from the SCMP archive (opens original article in a new tab)

Thousands fled the Philippines as Mount Pinatubo erupted, with massive ash plumes reaching 25km and residents seeking shelter in Olongapo City.

• Thousands evacuated as Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines on June 12, 1991.
• The volcano's first explosion sent an ash plume 16km high, with a second explosion reaching 25km.
• Residents fled 20km to Olongapo City, with some expressing hope to return soon.