November 30, 1645: a strong earthquake occurred in Manila

On November 30, 1645, Manila, the capital of the Spanish East Indies, experienced one of the most destructive earthquakes in its history. This seismic event caused widespread devastation, claiming lives and demolishing key structures in a city that was a vital hub for trade and colonial administration. At the time, Manila was flourishing as the center of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, connecting Asia with the Americas. To combat frequent fires, colonial authorities had shifted to constructing buildings with stone rather than wood or nipa (local palm fronds). However, this decision made the city more susceptible to earthquakes, as stone structures were less flexible and prone to collapse under seismic stress. The 1645 earthquake not only reshaped Manila's physical landscape but also influenced its architectural and urban planning strategies for centuries to come.