PINATUBO WATCH Calm now after its deadly eruptions 20 years ago, Mount Pinatubo attracts nature watchers to its crater lake. Tourism officials, however, warn that heavy rains may trigger the collapse of its crater wall. TONETTE T. OREJAS/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON
Ronaldo Tiotuico, DOT director in Central Luzon, said he is concerned about the safety and security of local and foreign tourists trekking the volcano鈥檚 crater following an announcement by the weather bureau that several typhoons would hit the country in the coming months.
鈥淢any other portions of the crater鈥檚 inner wall are in danger of collapsing, as indicated by huge cracks and steep slopes. Collapse may be triggered once heavy rain falls within the area,鈥� Tiotuico said in a travel advisory.
He said if adventure seekers cannot postpone their trek to Mt. Pinatubo until October, they must 鈥渙bserve safety precautions,鈥� especially if they plan to swim in the crater lake.
鈥淚n addition, thermal activities on the eastern crater lake shoreline are risky, and may cause scalding or burns upon contact. Moderate to strong wind will also affect the mobility of watercraft, like kayaks and boats, near the breached two-meter wide Maraunot outlet,鈥� he said.
He said there are 鈥渇requent occurrences of rock fall and landslide鈥� along the crater wall. 鈥淪uch active occurrences are evidenced by the existence of significant fresh talus (loose rocks) deposits along the crater lake shoreline,鈥� he added.
Tiotuico said tourists should consult travel advisories and check weather conditions in areas close to Mt. Pinatubo issued by local governments, or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
鈥淭he rule of thumb is that whenever there is a typhoon brewing, it is best to keep out of harm鈥檚 way,鈥� he said.
The 2-km wide crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo was formed after the volcano鈥檚 eruption in 1991. It has become a popular destination due to its turquoise water that is suitable for swimming, kayaking and boat rides.
But the crater lake contains enough water to flood communities in Botolan, Zambales. In 2001, residents of Botolan villages near the volcano were evacuated after experts said the collapse of the crater wall was imminent due to accumulated rainwater that reached 鈥渄angerous levels.鈥�
To avoid the collapse of the crater wall that year, excess water was drained from the lake through a channel dug up by Aetas, and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways.