The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake at a depth of 79.4 km roughly 20 km north of the the Paria Peninsula on the north coast of Venezuala, at about 9.40 pm local time on Friday 11 October 2013 (about 2.10 am on Saturday 12 October, GMT). This was a large quake, but at some depth as well as some way offshore, and there are no reports of any casualties or damage, though the quake was felt over a large area, with people reporting feeling it across much of northeast Venezuela, as well as in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Guyana.
The approximate location of the 11 October 2013 Venezuela Earthquake. Google Maps.
The Paria Peninsula forms part of the southern margin of the Caribbean Plate, which is moving eastward compared to the South American Plate, upon which the rest of Venezuela sits. This is not a smooth process, the two plates constantly stick together, then break apart as the pressure builds up, causing Earthquakes in the process.
See also Magnitude 3.4 Earthquake in the southeast Dominican Republic, Magnitude 3.1 Earthquake off the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Earthquake in the Dominican Republic, Volcanic activity on Soufrière Hills, Montserrat and Earthquake in the Dominican Republic.
Follow Sciency Thoughts on Facebook.