In a dramatic overnight sequence, northwestern Venezuela was struck by four strong earthquakes between September 24 and 25, 2025, sending tremors across the border into Colombia. Despite the intensity of the quakes—two exceeding magnitude 6.0—authorities reported no immediate casualties, though structural damage is under assessment.
Timeline of the Quakes
The seismic activity began Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday morning, with all events occurring at shallow depths—less than 9 miles—amplifying their potential for damage .
| Time (Local Venezuela) | Magnitude | Location | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 24, 6:21 PM | 6.2 | 15 mi E of Mene Grande, Zulia | Shallow (<9 mi) |
| Sept 24, 10:42 PM | 4.9 | Zulia | Shallow |
| Sept 24, 11:51 PM | 6.3 | Trujillo | Shallow |
| Sept 25, 2:55 AM | 5.8 | Trujillo | Shallow |
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed over two dozen aftershocks followed the main events, keeping the nation on high alert .
Regional Impact
While the epicenters were centered near Maracaibo—a hub of Venezuela’s oil industry—strong shaking was felt as far as Medellín and Bucaramanga in Colombia, cities located roughly 400 miles away .
- Maracaibo, Venezuela: Preliminary damage reported at the historic Santa Bárbara Church; authorities are conducting full assessments .
- Medellín, Colombia: Mayor Fico Gutiérrez confirmed no damage despite noticeable tremors .
- Bucaramanga, Colombia: Local officials activated emergency protocols as a precaution .
Why Is This Region So Seismically Active?
Northwestern Venezuela lies in a complex tectonic zone where the Caribbean and South American plates converge. This interaction creates significant stress along fault lines like the Boconó Fault, historically responsible for major quakes [[15][20]].
“Shallow earthquakes in this region are particularly dangerous because seismic energy doesn’t dissipate before reaching the surface,” says seismologists analyzing the event .
Historical Context
Zulia state averages 370 earthquakes per year, though most are minor. However, the region has seen destructive events before:
- 2018: A 7.3-magnitude quake struck off Venezuela’s northern coast .
- 1976: A 6.4-magnitude quake hit Zulia at 14 km depth .
Emergency Response in Colombia
Though Colombia wasn’t the epicenter, its proximity triggered emergency protocols. The country has invested heavily in disaster preparedness, including:
- National Disaster Risk Management System (DNPAD)
- Community-based response training through the PREPARE program
- Testing of early earthquake warning systems (EEWS) in partnership with NEC, set to launch in September 2025
What’s Next?
Geologists warn that aftershocks may continue for days or weeks. Residents in both Venezuela and Colombia are urged to:
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances
- Prepare emergency kits with water, food, and first aid supplies
- Follow official guidance from local civil protection agencies
For more on global seismic risks, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:earthquake-preparedness].
For authoritative data on this event, visit the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program.
Sources
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/world/americas/venezuela-earthquakes-maracaibo-colombia.html
- https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000lxyz
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364521089_Seismotectonics_of_Shallow-Focus_Earthquakes_in_Venezuela
- https://www.preventionweb.net/countries/col/
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/colombia/brief/disaster-risk-management
