Venezuelan scientists evaluate geological evidence of the San Sebastian Fault in La Guaira
Photo: MINCYT
Published at: 14/07/2026 01:28 PM
A team of geology specialists from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MINCYT) and the University of Los Andes (ULA) carried out a technical inspection in the state of La Guaira, in order to evaluate the evidence left by the recent movement of the San Sebastian Fault, responsible for the earthquakes recorded last June 24.
Professor Francisco Bongiorno, member of the Geoscientific Commission of the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology (FUNDACITE) in the state of Mérida, explained that the team is collecting field data, measuring and orienting cracks and surface deformations.
“Between 40 and 50 measurements have been consolidated over a 5-kilometer stretch, which will allow us to model the interaction of these fractures with the main fault and determine why certain structures had higher levels of damage than others,” he said.
Also, according to a press release, he stressed that they are looking for “all the evidence left by the movement to carry out a detailed study on this phenomenon”.
Regarding the recently recorded seismic activity, the geoscientist stressed that the occurrence of aftershocks is an expected phenomenon after an event of significant magnitude, such as an earthquake of 7.5.
“The terrain needs to stabilize and the aftershocks are likely to continue for weeks or months, and may even extend into next year,” Bongiorno said.
According to the specialist, initial observations indicate that the behavior of some soils and fillings did not respond to the expected parameters in the face of an earthquake of these characteristics, which justifies the need for additional technical tests in the coming days.
Bongiorno warned about the susceptibility to soil liquefaction, especially given the proximity to the coast.
“Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its bearing capacity during a sudden movement, expelling water to the surface and creating instability. It's a phenomenon that we must monitor precisely in this coastal environment,” he concluded.
Mazo News Team