From Regio IX, Pompeii to Pinatubo Volcano Observatory

Volcanoes are a force of nature that remind us of the primitive stages of Earth's formation and the ongoing evolution of our planet. Recent excavation at Regio IX of Pompeii show that a strong earthquake occurred just before the 79 CE eruption, causing the first fatalities. Soon after, presence of hot ash clouds very high in the horizon prompted Pliny the Elder to set sail and rescue people nearer the eruption.