Volcanic Debris Buries Houses

Volcanic debris loosened by heavy rains swept down the slopes of Mount Pinatubo on Sunday, burying houses and forcing evacuations from six villages.

At least 2,500 people fled their homes in parts of Pampanga, 35 miles northwest of Manila. Most were staying at Clark Field, the former U.S. air base.

The volcanic avalanches were unleashed by heavy rains associated with a tropical depression. Walls of mud have buried at least 120 houses since Thursday, and rivers have overflown their banks.

Police regional director Diony Ventura said the mudflows destroyed the Dolores Bridge in Bacolor on Sunday and buried several roads.