Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Venezuela few hours after M6.2
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit northern Venezuela at 03:51 UTC on September 25 (23:51 local time on September 24), 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 14 km (8.8 miles). This is the second strong earthquake to hit this area after M6.2 at 22:21 UTC on September 24.
Epicenter of M6.3 earthquake in northern Venezuela on September 25, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 27 km (17 miles) ENE of Mene Grande (population 60 580), 69 km (36 miles) NNW of Pampan (population 59 657), 61 km (38 miles) N of Motatan (population 25 437), and 68 km (42 miles) NNW of Trujillo (population 71 362), Venezuela.
30 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 246 000 strong, 1 025 000 moderate and 9.5 million light.
The USGS issued a 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.
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 adobe block construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Landslides triggered by this earthquake are estimated to be limited in number and (or) spatial extent but liquefaction might be significant.
This is the second strong earthquake to hit this area after M6.2 at 22:21 UTC on September 24.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.3 earthquake Venezuela – USGS – September 25,2025
2 M6.3 earthquake Venezuela – EMSC – September 25, 2025
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.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.