[citation needed] It caused extensive damage in Caracas, La Guaira, Barquisimeto, San Felipe, and Mérida.

[citation needed] The seismic movement was so significant that in a zone named Valecillo, a new lake was formed and the river Yurubí was dammed up.

[citation needed] Based on contemporary descriptions, the earthquake is believed to have consisted of two seismic shocks occurring within the span of 30 minutes.

[This quote needs a citation] Since the earthquake occurred on Maundy Thursday while the Venezuelan War of Independence was raging, it was explained by royalist authorities as divine punishment for the rebellion against the Spanish Crown.

The archbishop of Caracas, Narciso Coll y Prat, referred to the event as "the terrifying but well-deserved earthquake" which "confirms in our days the prophecies revealed by God to men about the ancient impious and proud cities: Babylon, Jerusalem and the Tower of Babel".