Venezuela: No tsunami threat from 7.3-magnitude earthquake August 21 /update 2

Event

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 20 km (12 mi) north-northwest of Yaguaraparo, near the coast of Sucre state, at 17:31 (local time) on Tuesday, August 21. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center briefly issued a tsunami warning for parts of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada and later rescinded the warning, still cautioning that sea level fluctuations of up to 30 cm (12 in) may be recorded in coastal areas near the earthquake's epicenter over the coming hours. No tsunami warning is currently in effect.

No casualties or serious material damages were immediately reported by Venezuelan authorities following the earthquake; however, shaking and evacuations of buildings were reported as far away from the epicenter as Caracas. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area in the coming hours.  

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.

During an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and do not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.