TORRES, Lara — the U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 6.3 magnitude quake occurred near Mene Grande Thursday night.

The tremor, which struck the area at 03:51 UTC (23:51 local time), was centered roughly 26 km east-northeast of Mene Grande. It occurred at a depth of 14 km. Seismologists first reported it as a 6.4 event, but later downgraded it to 6.3.

The National Tsunami Center issued a Tsunami statement related to the earthquake, please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information.

Did you feel it?

If you experienced the quake, you can submit a report via the USGS Felt Report form. 224 people have submitted responses through the agency’s online form, saying they felt the tremor. Moderate shaking was detected, and residents in several cities — including Bogotá, Itagüí, La Dolorita, Petare and El Cafetal — reported feeling the earthquake, according to the USGS DYFI report.

Impact and estimated losses

Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Venezuela. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.

Nearby region rattled by two quakes over the week

Two earthquakes exceeding magnitude 2.5 have been recorded nearby over the past week. Each was centered in the same area with the more significant — a 6.2 magnitude event — hitting one day ago. The second, a 4.9 magnitude quake, jolted on September 24.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey