The eruption of Mount Pinatubo began on June 15, 1991, after centuries of dormancy. Geologists had detected signs of volcanic activity in the months leading up to the eruption, prompting evacuation efforts that ultimately saved many lives. Despite these warnings, the volcano's violent explosion was unexpected in its magnitude, producing the second-largest eruption of the 20th century. During the peak of the eruption, an ash column soared 35 kilometers into the atmosphere, darkening the skies and scattering ash over areas as far away as the capital city, Manila. The resulting ash fall and pyroclastic flows devastated local communities, with the hardest hit being the indigenous Aeta people who lived at the volcano's base.

In addition to the immediate devastation and loss of life, the eruption had profound long-term effects on the environment. The massive release of volcanic gases contributed to a significant drop in global temperatures over the following years, a climatic phenomenon often referred to as ‘volcanic winter.’ The environmental impact was swift and widespread; with the destruction of homes and infrastructure, many survivors were left to rebuild their lives from scratch. This led to substantial changes in land management and disaster response strategies not only in the Philippines but also around the world as the event highlighted the necessity for preparedness in the face of natural disasters.