Mount Pinatubo is a volcano that erupted. Volcano eruptions are categorized as natural disasters because they have extreme implications for the surrounding areas. People tend to leave near volcanos due to the rich soils and moderate temperatures. The more heavily populated the area surrounding a volcano the increases risk of disaster.
Mount Pinatubo is on a continental crust plate and the magma released when it erupted was highly viscous and therefore highly explosive. Rosenberg (2012) explains, “the volcanic eruption was the second largest of the twentieth century and climaxed with nine hours of eruption on June 15, 1991 and 15 million tons of sulfur dioxide were discharge into the atmosphere” (Mount Pinatubo Eruption, para 1). The eruption was an explosion of gases and magma, Jones and Newhall (1996) explain, “in June 1991 the eruption created a 2.5 km wide collapse caldera and filled valleys around Pinatubo with about 5.5 +/- 0.5 cubic km of pyroclastic flow deposits. The new summit elevation of the volcano is approximately 1,485 meters above sea level, reduced from 1, 745 meters.” There was fair warning prior to the eruption and people were evacuated but not all lives were spared and a measles outbreak was soon realized in the area.
Where was it located?
Mount Pinatubo is located in the Philippines which is a country situated in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to earthquakes and increased risk of volcanic activity due to shifting of tectonic plates that make up the area. More specifically Pinatubo is located on the island of Luzon in the Cabusilan Mountains, 90 km northwest of the capital city of Manila.
Volcano Location and Measurements
Latitude: 15.13 North
Longitude: 120.35 East
Height: 1,745 meters before the June 15, 1991 eruption and 1, 485 meters after the eruption
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano
Smithsonian Institution - Global Volcanism Program, (1998)
Volcano Location and Measurements
Latitude: 15.13 North
Longitude: 120.35 East
Height: 1,745 meters before the June 15, 1991 eruption and 1, 485 meters after the eruption
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano
Smithsonian Institution - Global Volcanism Program, (1998)
Why did it occur?
It is first important to understand that volcanic activity can be triggered by movement of the tectonic plates in the earth’s crust. Rantucci (1995) provides more specific detail about the plates in the Luzon area, “Major tectonic lineaments are the double-sided seduction due to the convergence of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea Plates and the horizontal slip motion along the Philippine Fault” (p. 33). This creates the opportunity for any of these plates to shift which could cause events leading to disasters such as the Mount Pinatubo eruption.
There were a number of documented incidences that were attributed to the awakening of Mount Pinatubo. One of the early indications was document by researchers Bernard et. Al. (1999) “increased solfataric activity in August 1990 was detected, which was likely released due to the earthquake along the Philippine-Giddig fault”. They go on to explain the first signs of volcanic activity in April 1991 were in the form of small amounts of ash ejecting from six vents on the northern slope of the main cone” (Petrology and Geochemisty of the 1991 Eruption Products of Mount Pinatubo, para. 4).
There were indirect and direct factors that contributed to the actual eruption of the Volcano. Rantucci (1995) explains, “the Luzon earthquake that occurred in July 1990 was indirectly responsible awaking the dormant volcano but the actual triggering factor n June 12, 1991 was the subsurface block rearrangement which started after the 1990 quake which went on for months” He goes on the explain “ the aftershock period modified the pre-existing equilibrium and affected the rock basement of the Central Valley, thus favoring magmatic injections into the Pinatubo chamber, which ignited the volcano.
A large portion of the volcano was destroyed and a large amount of gases were released into the air which had a significant impact on the surrounding area and effects of the gases released were recorded in areas many miles away from the actual disaster site
There were a number of documented incidences that were attributed to the awakening of Mount Pinatubo. One of the early indications was document by researchers Bernard et. Al. (1999) “increased solfataric activity in August 1990 was detected, which was likely released due to the earthquake along the Philippine-Giddig fault”. They go on to explain the first signs of volcanic activity in April 1991 were in the form of small amounts of ash ejecting from six vents on the northern slope of the main cone” (Petrology and Geochemisty of the 1991 Eruption Products of Mount Pinatubo, para. 4).
There were indirect and direct factors that contributed to the actual eruption of the Volcano. Rantucci (1995) explains, “the Luzon earthquake that occurred in July 1990 was indirectly responsible awaking the dormant volcano but the actual triggering factor n June 12, 1991 was the subsurface block rearrangement which started after the 1990 quake which went on for months” He goes on the explain “ the aftershock period modified the pre-existing equilibrium and affected the rock basement of the Central Valley, thus favoring magmatic injections into the Pinatubo chamber, which ignited the volcano.
A large portion of the volcano was destroyed and a large amount of gases were released into the air which had a significant impact on the surrounding area and effects of the gases released were recorded in areas many miles away from the actual disaster site
How did this natural disaster lead to the spread of disease?
As discussed Mount Pinatubo was a highly explosive eruption and the ash and debris covered the surrounding area. Due to modern methods of tracking and predicting volcanic activity many lives were spare from evaluation efforts, Hecht et al. (2003) explain “the first set of evacuations began about two months prior of about 5000 people, the volcanic activity continued and in the end 58,000 people were evacuated” (pg. 111).
Although many people were evacuated the area was devastated. Casualties did result from the eruption and the dead bodies cause an increased concerned of the spread of disease in the area. Dangerous gases released from the eruption affected the global weather systems with the area around the volcano experiencing the worst air quality. Destruction to the land affects the water and food sources which can lead to increase disease in the survivors. Watson, Gayer and Connolly (2007) explain “the primary risk for communicable disease transmission is associated with the size and characteristics of the population displaced, specifically the proximity of safe water and functioning latrines, the nutritional status of the displaced population, the level of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and the access to healthcare services” (pg. 1). Large numbers of people forced to live in small areas created a scenario where diseased can spread. In the case of the Pinatubo eruption “crowded living conditions led to a measles outbreak, 18,000 cases were documented” (pg. 3).
Although many people were evacuated the area was devastated. Casualties did result from the eruption and the dead bodies cause an increased concerned of the spread of disease in the area. Dangerous gases released from the eruption affected the global weather systems with the area around the volcano experiencing the worst air quality. Destruction to the land affects the water and food sources which can lead to increase disease in the survivors. Watson, Gayer and Connolly (2007) explain “the primary risk for communicable disease transmission is associated with the size and characteristics of the population displaced, specifically the proximity of safe water and functioning latrines, the nutritional status of the displaced population, the level of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and the access to healthcare services” (pg. 1). Large numbers of people forced to live in small areas created a scenario where diseased can spread. In the case of the Pinatubo eruption “crowded living conditions led to a measles outbreak, 18,000 cases were documented” (pg. 3).
What are the symptoms of the disease?
In the book Viral Fitness, Jaap Goudsmit (2004), indicates that Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period. Measles is highly dependent on children, and the quantity of the virus reaches its peak after 14 days. He further explains that at this peak, skin rash is prevalent, and this is now the time when the person is most contagious. The look of the rash can look similar to Chicken pox, with a few distinguishable differences. The measles rash starts in the face as opposed to all over like pox. Additionally, the rash of measles usually blends together to form patches and open sores are not present. Aside from just the rash, other symptoms may include:
• Blood Shot Eyes
• Cough
• Fever
• Light Sensitivity
• Muscle Pain
• Irritation of the eyes
• Runny nose
• Soar throat
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| Child with the measles disease Photo retrieved April 8 from, www.rightdiagnosis.com/phil/html/measles/989.html |
What is the treatment to control the disease?
For an individual outbreak Measles usually runs it course in 10 days and treatment for an individual outbreak of measles can consist of aspirin, plenty of fluids, and vitamin A and C. More importantly, as measles is a contagious disease that does not have a cure, it is important to vaccinate the people around the infected individual.
The World Heath organization lists the prevention method of measles as: Live attenuated viral measles vaccine - one dose given by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route, with opportunity for second dose at least one month after the first.
The only way to properly treat the outbreak is to immunize the surrounding areas. The main issue with measles is that it is highly contagious which can be dangerous for a highly populated area. This outbreak resulted in greater then 18000 cases in the Luzon area (Watson 2007).
What is the current status of the disease?
It has been 20 years since the eruption that resulted in the initial outbreak but there is still prevalence of measles in the area. The initial disaster resulted in the increased cases due to evacuation camps that were highly populated, which made the measles easy to spread. Although healthcare standards in the Philippines have improved from 1991, a Report from Sol Aragones (2011) of ABS-CBN News indicates that 6000 cases of measles were identified in 2010 in the Philippines. The reason for the prevalence is the population density and the lack of immunization. To combat this epidemic, a campaign by the Department of Heath was created to increase awareness and increase immunization, especially in children. Despite these efforts, the immunization rate in this country is far lower then what we see in Canada.
The World Heath organization lists the prevention method of measles as: Live attenuated viral measles vaccine - one dose given by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route, with opportunity for second dose at least one month after the first.
The only way to properly treat the outbreak is to immunize the surrounding areas. The main issue with measles is that it is highly contagious which can be dangerous for a highly populated area. This outbreak resulted in greater then 18000 cases in the Luzon area (Watson 2007).
What is the current status of the disease?
It has been 20 years since the eruption that resulted in the initial outbreak but there is still prevalence of measles in the area. The initial disaster resulted in the increased cases due to evacuation camps that were highly populated, which made the measles easy to spread. Although healthcare standards in the Philippines have improved from 1991, a Report from Sol Aragones (2011) of ABS-CBN News indicates that 6000 cases of measles were identified in 2010 in the Philippines. The reason for the prevalence is the population density and the lack of immunization. To combat this epidemic, a campaign by the Department of Heath was created to increase awareness and increase immunization, especially in children. Despite these efforts, the immunization rate in this country is far lower then what we see in Canada.
Would the effects of this disaster be the same if they occurred in another part of the world?
As indicated preciously Watson, Gayer & Connolly, (2007) explain that “the risk for communicable disease transmission after disasters is associated primarily with the size and characteristics of the population displaced, specifically the proximity of safe water and functioning latrines, the nutritional status of the displaced population, the level of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, and the access to healthcare services.” These factors outline the reason why Luzon was so impacted by this outbreak.
Measles is highly contagious which is dangerous in a highly populated area that has little access to immunization. Why the result of the outbreak involved over 18000 individuals is due to the 2 main factors:
Population- The density of the population plays a major role in the number of outbreaks. Watson, Gayer & Connolly, (2007) “Measles and the risk for transmission after a natural disaster are dependent on baseline immunization coverage among the affected population, and in particular among children.” As Luzon has high population density, they would see more cases then a low population area such as Canada.
Healthcare and immunization- the implications of the disaster would have had less impact if there was greater access to immunization. The World Health Organization provides statistics on the level of immunization coverage that indicate the lowest rates were in the WHO South-East Asia (75%) and African (73%) regions. The highest rate was in the WHO European Region (94%). In low-income countries, 76% of children aged 12–23 months had received measles vaccination, compared with 82% in lower middle-income countries, 94% in upper middle-income countries, and 93% in high-income countries.
Measles is highly contagious which is dangerous in a highly populated area that has little access to immunization. Why the result of the outbreak involved over 18000 individuals is due to the 2 main factors:
Population- The density of the population plays a major role in the number of outbreaks. Watson, Gayer & Connolly, (2007) “Measles and the risk for transmission after a natural disaster are dependent on baseline immunization coverage among the affected population, and in particular among children.” As Luzon has high population density, they would see more cases then a low population area such as Canada.
Healthcare and immunization- the implications of the disaster would have had less impact if there was greater access to immunization. The World Health Organization provides statistics on the level of immunization coverage that indicate the lowest rates were in the WHO South-East Asia (75%) and African (73%) regions. The highest rate was in the WHO European Region (94%). In low-income countries, 76% of children aged 12–23 months had received measles vaccination, compared with 82% in lower middle-income countries, 94% in upper middle-income countries, and 93% in high-income countries.
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