6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Venezuela

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck northwest Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Representational)

Caracas:

Northwest Venezuela was rocked by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

According to the agency, the epicenter was located 15 miles (24 kilometers) east-northeast of Mene Grande in Zulia state, approximately 370 miles (600 kilometers) west of Caracas, the nation's capital.

The Venezuelan government did not immediately issue any statements regarding the earthquake, which the U.S. agency reported had a depth of 5 miles (7.8 kilometers).

The tremor was felt across multiple Venezuelan states and in neighboring Colombia. Numerous people evacuated residential buildings and offices in regions near the border. No immediate damages were reported in either country.

Mene Grande is situated on Lake Maracaibo's eastern shore, a region crucial to Venezuela's oil industry. Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil reserves worldwide.

State-owned television continued its regular programming without interruption during and after the earthquake, including a science-focused segment hosted by President Nicolás Maduro.