“And the land was altered from it´s natural state”: effects of the combined disasters in Quito and its surroundings between february and may of 1797

Abstract

This research analyzes how a succession of combined disasters associated with the presence, in a short time, of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass removals and floods, tested the limits of the society of Quito and its surroundings during the first months of 1797. The answers that were applied were varied, however, at this time there was a more rational debate that can be framed within the enlightened ideas of the late 18th century, even though they hadn´t abandoned it´s religious approach; this change of mindset will clearly condition the actions to be followed by the authorities of the Audience of Quito, the Secular Cabildo and the affected Corregimientos and its handling would differ from that of previous emergencies.