November 5, 1796 Earthquake: Pangasinan, Baguio, Zambales, Luzon, Philippines

1796, November 5, 2 p.m. Luzon.

Cagayan and Illocos - the earthquake was felt but without damage.

Pangasinan - suffered fearful destruction. Nine churches were ruined; the earth opened in different places. The observation that these effects were less and were felt less, as one progressed into provinces more distant from Pangasinan, leads one to believe that the earthquake was centred there.

Bagui - two enormous crevasses formed. One was one hundred and eleven varas (300 feet) long and half a vara wide and its depth was so great that five brazas (some 30 feet) of rope did not reach the bottom; and the second was twenty-nine brazas (about 175 feet) long, two wide and its depth unknown.

Pongot - inhabited by Pagana, a hill of considerable size was levelled and a lake took its place. In other places, sand and water were thrown up from great rifts.

Sambales - two churches totally destroyed.

Camarines and Albay - the earthquake was perceptible but light, nothing unusual occurred.

Manila - Some walls were shaken, some houses were split, some arches of the palace were cracked and the barracks of the Royal Regiment were damaged, but none seriously. Water overflowed from troughs and many wells. A large vessel which had been full of water lost 3 inches of water; the lamps oscillated, and the motion of a carriage at the entrance was that of one which passes over a half-paved street. Inside the house the main columns which supported the roof were split in two.

High seas 33 miles from Manila - on board an English ship, the main mast was jolted upwards and fell on the rail. All parts of the ship creaked.

(above from reference #1187)

1796, intensity IX. Many writers assert that during this year a most violent earthquake shook Manila and was followed by severe repetitions during the succeeding 20 days. But, although all agree that the quake was destructive, not one of them gives precise information as to its effects. (reference #1072)

1796, November 5, 2:00 p.m. Luzon... The effects of the earthquake suggest an epicenter in the region of 16 N, 119.5 E; assuming that the distance of the English boat from Manila Bay was actually greater than 33 miles. (reference #3029)