7.3 Magnitude Earthquake hits Venezuelan Coast

– tremors felt in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Columbia

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 21, 2018

At 17:30hrs today, an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit Venezuela’s northeastern coast in the state of Sucre. The quake, which had a depth of 123.2 kilometres, was felt in countries which lay in close proximity.

Countries such as Guyana, Grenada, Columbia Trinidad and Tobago, have reportedly felt the aftershocks of the tremor which lasted minutes and caused persons to evacuate buildings.

According to online reports, in Trinidad, telephone and power lines have been knocked out and there is some infrastructural damage.

There have been no reported casualties thus far from any of the countries hit by the quake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had initially issued a warning to Venezuela, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago, but had later receded the warning citing that there is no immediate threat of a tsunami from the earthquake. They have, however, asked persons to remain observant.

There have been no tsunami warnings issued for Guyana and the Hydrometeorological Service is monitoring the situation.

Anara Khan