Philippine: Lahar - Sep 1994

Heavy rains on 22 September 1994 in the region of Mount Pinatubo volcano triggered mudflows consisting of tonnes of ash and other debris, known as lahar, ejected on the slopes of Pinatubo by the volcanic eruption of 1991. The Philippine Institute Of Volcanology And Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reports that up to ten feet high lahar flowed down the Pasig-Potrero river in Pampanga causing the breaching of many dikes. The national disaster coordinating council indicates that 500 houses and one Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were totally buried. Preliminary reports show five deads and seven missing. Government teams effecting rescue and evacuation operations in the affected area. 29 homeless families were accommodated in public buildings. (UN DHA, 23 Sep 1994)

Since 22 September lahar from Mt. Pinatubo volcano have affected 15 villages in Pampanga province (12 in Bacolor and 3 in Porac) in central Luzon. A 9-10 feet high lahar flow was also reported at Pasig-Potrero river. On 25 September, National Disaster Coordinating Council reported 8,021 families (45,322 persons) affected. This information included 17 dead and 3 missing. 2,088 families (10,266 persons) are being sheltered in evacuation centres in Bacolor (6), San Fernando (3), and Mabalacat (1). 1,369 houses and 7 school buildings are reported destroyed. Estimated damage to livestock is USD 94,000, rice plantation USD 164,660, and sugar cane plantation USD 131,580. 3 major roads are under 2-3 feet of lahar and impassable to any types of vehicles. (UN DHA, 28 Sep 1994)

Since 22 September lahar from Mt. Pinatubo volcano have affected 9,891 families (45,762 persons) in 22 villages of Pampanga province (18 in Bacolor and 4 in Porac) in central Luzon. On 29 September, National Disaster Coordinating Council reported 20 dead, 1 injured, and 3 missing. 4,874 families (22,977 persons) are being sheltered in 29 evacuation centres in Bacolor (8), San Fernando (15), Mabalacat (1), Porac (3), Angeles City (1), Andbataan (1). In Bacolor 595 houses were completely destroyed. In Porac 1,369 houses were destroyed completely, and 4 were partially dam- aged. 2 major roads and 1 bridge remain impassable to any types of vehicles, while repair operations are on-going. (UN DHA, 4 Oct 1994)