Up from the Ashes

32 years since the Cataclysmic Eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

It has been 32 years since the earth-shattering eruption of Mount Pinatubo, an event that forever changed the lives of countless individuals residing in its vicinity. As I reflect on that fateful day, I am reminded of a valuable life lesson that became etched in my memory at the age of 16: everything that you have can be taken away in the blink of an eye.

On June 15, 1991, the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century unleashed its fury upon the Philippines. Mount Pinatubo spewed ash, smoke, and molten rock into the sky, painting a vivid picture of calamity and chaos. The eruption affected not only the immediate vicinity but also densely populated areas, making it a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.

My cousin, who was 18 years old at the time, and I, just 16 years old, found ourselves visiting friends in a neighboring town when the eruption of Mount Pinatubo unfolded. It began with a deluge of ash and stones raining down upon us, a surreal and terrifying experience that would forever be etched in our memories.

As the volcanic activity escalated, the authorities swiftly organized evacuations. We were hastily loaded onto trucks and transported to Metro Manila, where we were taken to an evacuation center. It was there that we faced the harsh reality of being separated from our families, with no means of communication to reassure them of our safety. Cut off from the outside world, we were left to wonder if our loved ones were okay and if they even knew where we were.

Compounding the already dire situation, the eruption coincided with a typhoon, resulting in intense cyclonic winds that, combined with higher-altitude winds, blew the volcanic ash southwestward. The aftermath was a desolate landscape covered in a thick blanket of volcanic ash, composed of fine grains of volcanic minerals and glass, as well as larger pumice lapilli, resembling frothy pebbles. The countryside, once vibrant and teeming with life, was now suffocated under this relentless shroud of destruction.

The sheer weight of the ash and pebbles took a toll on the buildings, causing them to buckle and collapse under the immense pressure.

Lahars, the mudflows resulting from the interaction of volcanic ash and rainwater, surged from the mountains, burying structures in their path. It was a heartbreaking sight to witness homes and businesses being swallowed by the relentless force of nature, as if they were mere casualties of a merciless battle.

In the midst of the chaos, many individuals stubbornly clung to their homes, desperately climbing onto their roofs in an attempt to shovel off the accumulating volcanic ash.

They were determined to salvage what remained of their lives, fighting against all odds to protect the sanctity of their dwellings. It was a testament to the awe-inspiring human instinct to preserve what is dear, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Eventually, after an unforgettable journey on foot spanning around 20 kilometers from the drop-off point of the evacuation trucks, we made our way back home.

The scene that greeted me was The scene that greeted me was utterly heart-wrenching. Our family's piggery business, a symbol of my parents' tireless efforts and sacrifices as overseas workers, had been reduced to rubble, flattened to the ground. The once-lively livestock, which had been the source of our livelihood, now lay lifeless, their fate sealed by the eruption.

To describe the aftermath as devastating would be an understatement. It was a profound and all-encompassing devastation that seeped into the very fabric of our lives, leaving no aspect untouched.

The emotional and physical toll inflicted upon us and the countless others who endured this catastrophe is immeasurable.

Yet, amid the desolation, the spirit of resilience that resides within the Filipino people shone through. It is a spirit that has allowed us to rise, time and time again, rebuilding what was lost and forging a path toward a better future. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo may have left an indelible mark on our lives, but it also taught us the power of unity, and the unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Now, 32 years later, as I gaze upon my hometown of Pampanga, I am filled with pride and humility. The scars of the eruption remain, etched upon the landscape and the collective memory of its people, but they serve as a constant reminder of the tenacity that lies within us all.

The lessons I learned during that tumultuous time are ones I carry with me to this day. I learned that everything we hold dear can be taken away in an instant, but from the depths of loss, a newfound antifragility can emerge. I learned the importance of community and the grit of Filipinos, who, even in the face of such hardship, were still smiling and laughing. And above all, I learned the true meaning of freedom—how it is only after we've lost everything that we are truly free to rebuild and shape our own destinies.

The cataclysmic eruption of Mount Pinatubo may have forever changed the lives of those who experienced it, but it also ignited a flame of faith and hope within us. As we stand tall, 32 years later, we can look back on our journey of recovery with gratitude. We have rebuilt what was lost, stronger than ever. It was a chapter in our lives filled with immeasurable loss, but it also revealed the remarkable capacity to rise from the ashes.

“It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.” ― Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Photos are my own. Copyright Gina Romero.