The undersea earthquake in 1906 on the Pacific Coast caused enormous damage in many areas. Fr. Bernardino Garcia of the Conception, who at the time was in the City of Panama gave the following testimony regarding the terrible cataclysm that struck the area. “Unexpectedly an enormous wave (we style them
tsunamis today) crashed into the port, reached into the market area and destroyed everything. Boats that had been drawn up on shore were picked up hurled long distances causing heavy losses”. The small island of Tumaco was spared by a miracle thanks to the faith of the people and the blessing with the Blessed Sacrament by Fr Gerardo Larrondo.