Map
Map of earthquakes in Venezuela since 1900, with magnitudes. Click for dates and details. (map data)

This is a list of earthquakes with epicentres in Venezuela or significant impacts in the country. 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 unreinforced brick masonry and adobe block construction.[1]

Earthquakes

Date Location Mag. MMI Deaths Injuries Note Ref
2026-06-24 Yaracuy 7.2/7.5 Mw IX 1,430+[2] 4,500+ Doublet earthquake, extreme damage [3][4]
2025-09-24 Zulia 6.2/6.3 Mw VIII 1 110 Severe damage [5]
2018-11-24 Trujillo 5.2 Mw VI 2 Minor damage [6]
2018-08-21 Sucre 7.3 Mw VII 5 122 Moderate damage [7]
2010-01-15 Carúpano 5.6 Mw VII 11 Minor damage [8]
2009-11-27 Lara 5.4 Mw VII Minor damage [9]
2009-09-12 Carabobo 6.3 Mw V 18 Minor damage [10]
1997-07-09 Sucre 6.9 Mw VIII 81 683 Severe damage [11]
1974-06-12 Lara 6.1 Mw VIII 5 1 Some damage [12][13]
1967-07-30 Caracas 6.6 Mw VIII 300 1,536 Severe damage [14]
1929-01-17 Cumaná 6.9 Ms IX 200+ Severe damage / tsunami [15]
1900-10-29 Miranda 7.6 Ms 101 50+ Severe damage / tsunami [16]
1894-04-28 Mérida 7.0 Mw VIII 350 [17]
1875-05-18 Cúcuta 7.5 Mw IX 10,000 Extreme damage
1853-07-15 Sucre 7.5 Tsunami 15 m (49 ft)
1812-03-26 Caracas, Vargas 7.7 Mw X 15,000–20,000 Extreme damage
1766-10-21 Sucre 6.5–7.5 Ms IX–X [18]
1641-06-11 Caracas 6.5 200 Severe damage
Note: Mw = moment magnitude scale, Ms = surface-wave magnitude. Only damaging, injurious, or deadly events should be recorded.

See also

  • Geology of Venezuela
  • Lists of earthquakes

References

  1. ^ "PAGER". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  2. ^ https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c621z18wznet?post=asset%3A5e47c46e-45b6-4600-b6e6-0a827118ffe7#post
  3. ^ "M 7.2 - 24 km ENE of San Felipe, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey. 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  4. ^ "M 7.5 - 23 km SE of Yumare, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey. 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  5. ^ "M 6.3 – 27 km ENE of Mene Grande, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  6. ^ "M 5.2 – 7 km W of Valera, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  7. ^ "M 7.3 – 40 km ENE of Carúpano, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  8. ^ "M 5.6 – 33 km SW of Carúpano, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  9. ^ "M 5.4 – 49 km NE of Carora, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  10. ^ "M 6.4 – 27 km NNE of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  11. ^ "M 7.0 – 26 km WSW of Carupano, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  12. ^ "M 6.1 – Sucre, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey. 12 June 1974. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  13. ^ "Significant Earthquake: VENEZUELA". National Geophysical Data Center. 12 June 1974. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  14. ^ "M 6.6 – 32 km W of Catia La Mar, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  15. ^ "M 6.7 – 30 km WNW of Cumana, Venezuela". United States Geological Survey.
  16. ^ José Grases; Arnaldo Gutiérrez; Rafael Salas J. "LA INGENIERÍA SISMO-RESISTENTE" (PDF). p. 3. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  17. ^ "SISMICIDAD Y PREVENCION SISMICA EN LOS ANDES VENEZOLANOS". funvisis.gob.ve. Archived from the original on 3 March 2018.
  18. ^ Mocquet, A. (2007). "Analysis and interpretation of the October 21, 1766 earthquake in the Southeastern Caribbean". Journal of Seismology. 11 (4): 381–403. Bibcode:2007JSeis..11..381M. doi:10.1007/s10950-007-9059-x. S2CID 128549406.

Betancourt Ruiz, Armando. (1972). Terremotos y Temblores. Monte Ávila Caracas – Venezuela.