Estimated intensity of the El Tocuyo earthquake (August 3, 1950)

SEISMIC THREAT

Abstract

On August 3, 1950, at 5:50 p. m., an earthquake, whose magnitude has been estimated between 6.3 and 6.9, shook central western Venezuela, variously affecting some 55 towns in the region. In the distant states of Apure, Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy and in the city of Caracas, the earthquake was felt without damage; while in the states of Cojedes, Falcón, Trujillo, Táchira and Zulia, mild to moderate damage occurred. The populations most affected by this event were El Tocuyo (IX), Guaitó (VIII-IX), Anzoátegui
(VIII+), Guarico (VIII+), Sanare (VIII), Humocaro Alto (VIII), Humocaro Bajo (VIII) and Carora (VIII), in the state of Lara,
and Chabasquén (VIII-IX), in the Portuguesa state. In the present work, primary sources information is used to reevaluate the macroseismic intensity in each of the affected populations, applying the Modified Mercalli Scale (IMM1956) and presenting a new macroseismic map with 55 intensity points.