Mene Grande, Venezuela shaken by powerful tremor
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake jolted northwest Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor’s epicentre was located 24 kilometres east-northeast of Mene Grande in Zulia state, approximately 600 kilometres west of the capital Caracas. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 7.8 kilometres, making it widely felt across the region.
The government of Venezuela did not immediately release an official statement about the earthquake. However, local residents confirmed that buildings shook for several seconds, causing people to rush out of homes and offices. Despite the strong magnitude, no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties were received.
Tremors felt across borders
The tremor was powerful enough to be felt in several Venezuelan states and even in neighbouring Colombia. Eyewitnesses in border towns reported people gathering outside in open spaces as a precaution. In both countries, emergency services were placed on alert, though officials later confirmed that no major damage or injuries had been recorded.
The USGS noted that the shallow depth of the quake contributed to the strong shaking felt by residents in nearby areas. While tremors are not unusual in this part of South America, a quake of this strength often sparks concerns of aftershocks.
Impact on oil-producing region
Mene Grande, located on the eastern coast of Lake Maracaibo, lies in one of Venezuela’s most significant oil-producing areas. The region is home to vital infrastructure linked to the country’s petroleum industry, which is the backbone of its economy. Initial checks suggested that no disruptions had been reported in oil facilities, though industry experts said monitoring would continue in the coming days.
This part of Venezuela has experienced quakes in the past, but many locals described Wednesday’s tremor as one of the strongest in recent memory. “The ground moved so hard that we thought the walls would collapse,” said a resident of Zulia.
Government response and public reaction
State-owned television channels did not interrupt programming to cover the quake, even as it was being widely discussed on social media. At the time of the tremor, President Nicolás Maduro was hosting a science-focused segment on national television, which continued uninterrupted.
Many Venezuelans expressed frustration at the lack of immediate official communication. “People were scared and needed information, but the government was silent,” one resident said online. In Colombia, authorities issued precautionary safety advisories but assured the public that no significant damage had occurred.
Conclusion
While the 6.2-magnitude earthquake rattled northwest Venezuela and was felt in neighbouring Colombia, it caused no immediate damage or casualties. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation for possible aftershocks and assess the safety of oil infrastructure in the critical Lake Maracaibo region.