Proximity of the Population to Mt. Pinatubo
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo was the largest volcanic disaster in history to effect a densely populated area (USGS2). The area around Mt. Pinatubo was in 1991 and still is today densely populated. Today, 3,800 people live within 10km of the volcano, while 1.2 million people live within 30km. 21.9 million people including those from the capital city of Manila live within 100km away from Mt. Pinatubo (Geneseo).
In 1991, about 30,000 people lived in small settlement on the flanks of Mt. Pinatubo. The majority of the mountain and surrounding peaks were covered by dense forest. In the surrounding lowlands 500,000 people lived within 40km. The closest city of Angeles had about 150,000 people while the adjacent US Clark Air-base had a population of 20,000 military personnel and civilians (New World Encyclopedia).