Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block construction. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake 101 km west of this event struck Cariaco, Venezuela on July 9, 1997 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 123,000 at intensity VII and 8,000 at intensity VIII, resulting in a reported 81 fatalities. Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.# Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses. ]]>