A tsunami warning was issued in Venezuela after a powerful earthquake was felt on Wednesday afternoon.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked Venezuela on Wednesday evening (Image: USGS)
A tsunami threat was issued in Venezuela and some Caribbean islands after a powerful earthquake was felt on Wednesday afternoon.
Preliminary information indicated the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1. Among the affected countries were Venezuela, Colombia, the Caribbean Netherlands, Curacao, and Aruba. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were also unfer tsunami threat by the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.
Authorities did not immediately release a statement on the strong earthquake. It was not immediately clear if there were are casualties or victims.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 7.1, with an epicenter about 28 kilometers (17 miles) west of the community of Morón, located on the Caribbean coast. It occurred at a depth of 13 kilometers.
The seismic activity occurred on Wednesday at around 6:05 p.m. local time.
Images and videos of the event posted on social media showed cars, homes, and establishments shaking intensely as confused and scared residents flooded the streets and gathered outside structures for safety. Likewise, unverified footage online showed damage to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, the nation's largest airport.
"Earthquake here in Caracas," one user posted. "Never in my life had I felt one so strong."
Another video shared by Rapid Report showed a building in Caracas partially collapsing following the earthquake. Residents of that building were being rushed out of their home by neighbors. A man held two dogs in his arms as he climbed through rubble and evacuated.
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Users on social media post chaos following a 7.1 earthquake in Venezuela (Image: @X)
The USGS noted it was still reviewing data on Wednesday's earthquake, and the event's magnitude may change as new information comes in. The shake-severity map may also be updated as seismologists continue to gather information.
The Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research (Funvisis) did not immediately publish an official report detailing the event's magnitude, epicenter, and depth.
Nevertheless, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had "alarming situations" with collapsed homes and buildings.
Cabello, who was once a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro before he was arrested by American authorities earlier this year, also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado quickly issued a statement on social media, extending prayers to victims of the earthquake.
"My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish," Machado, who escaped Venezuela to meet with world leaders, said. "May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult moment."
"May God protect every Venezuelan, our families, and our homes. Today, more united than ever," she added.
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