Thu Sep 25 05:13:24 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Strong Earthquake Rattles Venezuela, Felt in Colombia; No Immediate Reports of Damage**

CARACAS, Venezuela – A significant earthquake, measuring at least magnitude 6.1, struck northwestern Venezuela on Wednesday, sending tremors across the country and into neighboring Colombia. Buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but initial reports indicate no casualties or major damage.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicenter approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the community of Mene Grande in Zulia state, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) west of Caracas. The USGS recorded the depth at 7.8 kilometers (5 miles). Other geological agencies reported slightly varying magnitudes and depths. The Colombian Geological Survey measured it at 6.1 and described it as “shallow,” while the German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a magnitude of 6.31 at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).

Mene Grande, situated on Lake Maracaibo’s eastern coast, is a key location for Venezuela’s oil industry.

Venezuelan Communications Minister Freddy Nanez stated that the Venezuelan Foundation for Technological Research reported two additional earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.9 and 5.4. He said the stronger of the two shook Barinas state, with the second occurring in Zulia state, but did not comment on the larger quake recorded by the USGS.

Venezuela is prone to seismic activity due to its location near several fault lines created by the interaction of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. Approximately 80% of the Venezuelan population resides in active seismic zones. The country has experienced five major earthquakes in the last century, including a magnitude 7.2 quake off its northern coast in 2018 which resulted in over 400 deaths. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.

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