In Venezuela, a powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the northwestern part of the country last evening, sending tremors through the capital Caracas and several surrounding areas. While there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, the quake caused widespread alarm and forced residents to flee buildings. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed there had been no significant structural damage reported so far.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake hit the area with its epicentre located about 24 kilometres southeast of Mene Grande, a town in the oil-rich Zulia state, near Maracaibo.
The Colombian Geological Survey recorded the magnitude at 6.1, describing it as a shallow-depth event.
