In the last century, five major earthquakes have struck the Northern region of Venezuela, causing more than 400 fatalities and leaving thousands homeless. The most recent, significant event occurred in July 1967 (Mw 6.6) near the capital, Caracas, causing 240 casualties and approximately 90 million USD in property damage. The main causes for the extensive damage observed in past events (despite the moderate magnitude) is the high concentration of population and property in seismic hazard prone areas, and the prevalence of non-engineered construction.