Unless the shock is violent there is little danger, even for those who live in stone houses. In the history of the islands there have occurred many earthquakes, however, of such strength that whole cities have been left in ruins. About 1863 Manila and the surrounding country received a shock that destroyed practically the entire city and killed thousands of people. In 1880, violent shocks lasted over a period of ten days, causing untold loss and suffering. In recent years re-enforced concrete has been taking the place of stone in the building of bridges, churches, and other large structures, and it has been found to withstand earthquakes well.
Closely connected with the earthquakes are the volcanoes of the islands, which have a long and destructive history, especially Mount Taal (Tä'-äl) near Manila, and Mount Mayon (My-on') in southern Luzon. The latter volcano has been in eruption many times; the records show a total of more than twenty-five eruptions since the year 1616, and it is probable that previous to the nineteenth century observations were inaccurately made and many eruptions have gone unrecorded. More than half of the eruptions have been severe. That of February 1, 1814, was especially dreadful, burying the country around the mountain under tons of lava and ashes, and causing about twelve hundred deaths. The parish priest of one of the towns near by has left the following description of the event:
"Repeated earthquakes took place the night before, and they continued during the morning of the first. There was then a stronger shock, and at the same moment a cloud of smoke rose from the mouth of the volcano. The cloud rose in the form of a pyramid and then assumed a feathery appearance which was very beautiful. As the sun was shining, the phenomenon presented various colors. The top was black, the center took on various colors, while the sides and lower part appeared of an ashy tint. While we were watching this, we felt a strong earthquake, which was followed by loud noises and rumblings. The volcano then continued to vomit forth lava, and the cloud extended till it darkened the whole district; and then sparks and flashes seemed to come from the ground and from the cloud, so that the whole presented the aspect of a most terrible storm. There followed almost immediately a rain of large, hot stones which broke, and burnt whatever they fell upon. A little later, smaller stones, sand, and ashes were thrown out for more than three hours.... Towns were entirely destroyed and burnt.... The darkness caused by the eruption was noticeable as far as Manila, ... and, according to some, the ashes erupted passed as far as China."