Caracas, Venezuela – A strong earthquake shook western Venezuela on Wednesday evening, with tremors felt across Zulia state and surrounding regions.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.2-magnitude quake struck at 6:21 p.m. local time on September 24, 2025, about 24 kilometers east-northeast of Mene Grande. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of just 7.8 kilometers, increasing the likelihood of significant ground shaking.
The USGS “ShakeMap” classified the event with an intensity of VIII in the immediate area, meaning severe shaking was likely. The agency’s PAGER system issued a yellow alert, indicating potential economic losses and casualties are possible, though widespread destruction is not expected.
The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there is no tsunami risk to the U.S. East Coast, Gulf states, or eastern Canada. Based on seismic records, the earthquake is also not expected to generate a tsunami in the Caribbean.
Initial community reports collected by USGS show the quake was felt at intensity VI, categorized as “strong,” in nearby cities including Maracaibo. So far, there are no confirmed reports of fatalities or major damage, but local authorities are continuing assessments.
This is a developing story. Authorities in Venezuela are monitoring for aftershocks and potential infrastructure impacts.
