Note: Map shows the area with a shake intensity of 4 or greater, which U.S.G.S. defines as “light,” though the earthquake may be felt outside the areas shown. The New York Times
A strong, 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck in Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The temblor happened at 11:51 p.m. Venezuela time about 17 miles northeast of Mene Grande, Venezuela, data from the agency shows.
U.S.G.S. data earlier reported that the magnitude was 6.4.
This quake was a strong aftershock of a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck at 6:21 p.m., about five hours earlier. Another aftershock, measuring 4.9, followed at 10:42 p.m.
The 6.2-magnitude earthquake five hours earlier
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
Aftershocks in the region
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.
Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Venezuela time. Shake data is as of Thursday, Sept. 25 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Thursday, Sept. 25 at 2:36 a.m. Eastern.
Maps: Daylight (urban areas); MapLibre (map rendering); Natural Earth (roads, labels, terrain); Protomaps (map tiles)
