TORRES, Lara — A 6.2 magnitude quake was recorded near Mene Grande Wednesday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

At 22:21 UTC (18:21 local time), the region was slammed by a tremor. The earthquake rocked at a depth of 8 km, with its epicenter about 24 km east-northeast of Mene Grande. Seismologists first reported it as a 6.1 event, but later upgraded it to 6.2.

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

Did you feel it?

If you noticed the tremor, you can submit a report through the USGS Felt Report form. The agency has received 243 responses on its online form so far, from people saying they experienced the earthquake. According to the USGS DYFI report, residents in multiple cities, including Medellín, Cartagena, La Dolorita and Caracas, reported feeling severe to violent shaking from the earthquake.

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.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey