Magnitude 7.3 earthquake that shook Venezuela

A prolonged 7.3-magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela this afternoon, the US Geological Survey reported. The tremor, which caused panic in the population, had a depth of 123.2 kilometers and the epicenter was located 20 kilometers north-northeast of Yaguaraparo.

The movement felt more strongly in the north of the country, in several points of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, Zulia, Anzoategui, Sucre and the island of Margarita. Dozens of people must have left their homes and offices. Many remained on the street while the authorities allowed them to re-enter.

People in Colombia and Ecuador also say they have experienced the shaking. Shortly after the earthquake, Colombian Civil Aeronautics reported via Twitter that the Bogota airport closed about ten minutes to inspect the runways. However, now it operates normally.

The movement occurred while a concentration was held in the palace of the Venezuelan government in support of President Nicolás Maduro.