Caracas, Sept 25 (HS): A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Venezuela on Wednesday, sending tremors across several states and into neighboring Colombia, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The quake’s epicenter was located roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) east-northeast of the community of Mene Grande in Zulia state, about 370 miles (600 kilometers) west of Caracas. The seismic activity occurred at a shallow depth of around 5 miles (7.8 kilometers), amplifying its impact across the region.

Residents in parts of Venezuela and Colombia evacuated homes and office buildings as tremors rippled through urban centers. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage on either side of the border.

Mene Grande is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Maracaibo, an oil-producing hub and one of Venezuela’s most strategically important regions. Despite the quake’s proximity to this vital area, activity at energy facilities appeared unaffected.

The Venezuelan government did not issue an immediate statement, and state-owned television continued its programming uninterrupted, including a science-themed segment hosted by President Nicolás Maduro.

Authorities in both Venezuela and Colombia are monitoring the situation for aftershocks and potential structural risks, though initial assessments suggested minimal disruption.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar