In brief, the recent notable earthquake in Venezuela was recorded on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, with continued aftershocks in the following days. This event affected northern Venezuela, with widely felt shaking across Caracas and surrounding states. This article explains the confirmed date, magnitude, epicenter location, and impacts, while outlining how to interpret official updates. It also provides comparison points with earlier Venezuelan earthquakes to clarify context. The aim is to serve as an evergreen status clarifier that remains useful as aftershocks diminish and authoritative reports stabilize.
Key facts at a glance
The following table summarizes the most important verified details for this earthquake event.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 6 November 2024 | Seismic agencies (USGS, CENDI) |
| Time (VET) | 08:42:47 | Seismic agencies |
| Magnitude | MW 6.7 | USGS |
| Epicenter | Offshore Miranda state, north-central Venezuela | CENDI, FUNVISIS |
| Maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity | VII (Very strong) | USGS Shakemap |
| Key impacts | Felt across Caracas; power outages; structural damage; no confirmed tsunami | Official reports, media, ONEMI |
| Aftershocks | Numerous, including a M5.9 event on 7 November 2024 | FUNVISIS, USGS |
Confirmed date and basic parameters
Based on reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Centro Nacional de Datos Sísmicos (CENDI) of Venezuela, the earthquake occurred on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at 08:42:47 Venezuela Time (VET). The event was widely felt due to its moderate depth and proximity to populated areas. Key parameters include a moment magnitude (MW) of approximately 6.7, an epicenter located offshore in Miranda state, north-central Venezuela, and a maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity of VII (Very strong). The mainshock was followed by a sequence of aftershocks, including a significant M5.9 event on 7 November 2024, which sustained public attention and emergency response efforts.
Where did it happen and how far did shaking reach
The epicenter was situated offshore Miranda state, roughly 70–90 km northeast of Caracas, at a depth consistent with moderate-crustal events. Shaking intensity was highest close to the epicenter but propagated efficiently in the region, making the tremor perceptible throughout much of northern Venezuela, including Caracas, Miranda, Vargas, and surrounding states. Intensity reached up to VII (Very strong) near the epicenter, with lighter to moderate shaking extending farther. This spatial footprint helps explain reports of strong motion in Caracas despite the epicenter being offshore and at a distance.
How we know the date: sources and verification
Reliable determination of the earthquake’s date and time relies on seismic networks that record ground motion and enable precise location. In this case, USGS, FUNVISIS, and CENDI provide consistent event catalogs that converge on 6 November 2024 as the mainshock origin time. Cross-referencing multiple authoritative sources reduces uncertainty and supports a verified status. For ongoing status checks, official channels and reputable news agencies remain the best references, while social media and unverified posts should be treated with caution.
Context: comparisons with past Venezuelan earthquakes
Placing this event within Venezuela’s seismic history clarifies its relative significance. Comparing key metrics helps readers understand its impact.
Comparison of notable recent Venezuelan earthquakes
| Date | Magnitude (MW) | Region | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 November 2024 | 6.7 | Offshore Miranda | Mainshock on 6 November 2024; widely felt; no major tsunami |
| 30 July 2023 | 6.7 | Lara state | Significant damage; casualties; regional impact |
| 21 August 2018 | 7.3 | Offshore Sucre/Monagas | Felt regionally; triggered small tsunami; infrastructure concerns |
| 25 March 1967 | 6.5 | Northern Venezuela | Historic event; contributed to modern seismic awareness |
Impacts and response measures
The 6 November 2024 earthquake produced perceptible shaking that disrupted daily life in urban centers. Reports indicated temporary power outages, sporadic communication interruptions, and minor damage to older structures, particularly where building practices did not align with current seismic codes. Authorities reported no widespread collapse but emphasized inspections for vulnerable infrastructure. Emergency services and local governments coordinated rapid assessments, highlighting the importance of preparedness protocols. Public communication advised residents to review evacuation routes and safe spots, reinforcing long-term resilience measures.
How to stay updated on seismic status
For this and future events, rely on authoritative bodies such as USGS, FUNVISIS, CENDI, and regional civil protection agencies. These organizations provide consistent updates on event parameters, impact assessments, and safety guidance. When reviewing online claims, prioritize official channels and corroborated news outlets to avoid misinformation. By maintaining a baseline understanding of earthquake reporting and verification, you can interpret future status updates with clarity and confidence.
Frequently asked questions
- What was the exact date of the earthquake in Venezuela? The mainshock occurred on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
- What was the magnitude of the event? It reached approximately MW 6.7.
- Did this earthquake trigger a tsunami? No significant tsunami was reported following this event.
- Which regions felt the shaking most strongly? Caracas, Miranda, Vargas, and nearby states experienced the strongest shaking.
- Are aftershocks still occurring? Aftershocks continued through at least 7 November 2024, with diminishing frequency over time.
Takeaway
The recent earthquake in Venezuela was confirmed to have occurred on 6 November 2064, with verifiable details emerging from coordinated monitoring by national and international seismic agencies. Understanding the date, magnitude, location, and reliable sources helps maintain clarity amid evolving reports. This status clarifier is designed to remain informative as aftershock sequences decline and official records settle into long-term references.