6.2-Magnitude Quake Jolts Western Venezuela

AFP/APP

Caracas: A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck western and northern Venezuela on Wednesday, including the capital Caracas, though no immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Mene Grande, an oil town in Zulia state, at a depth of 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles).

The Colombian Geological Survey measured the tremor at 6.1 and classified it as a “shallow-depth” event, also felt across Colombia and in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire.

In Venezuela—where powerful quakes are relatively rare—the tremor triggered alarm in several cities, including Caracas and the western oil hub of Maracaibo. Residents rushed out of buildings and onto the streets, but officials have not reported any significant damage or injuries so far.

The government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.