Strong M6.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Venezuela

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the coast of Venezuela at 03:58 UTC on June 23, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 87.4 km (54.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 98 km (60 miles).
The epicenter was located 29.8 km (18.5 miles) NE of Yaguaraparo (population 13 610), 41.2 km (25.6 miles) WNW of Güiria (population 40 000), and 69 km (42.9 miles) E of Carúpano (population 167 187), Venezuela.
3 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 594 000 moderate, and 3 808 000 light.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
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.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking


Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

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