A major, 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck in central Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. Residents said that the temblor felt especially strong, shaking buildings and knocking out electricity in parts of the country, including the capital, Caracas.
It was not immediately clear if there were casualties. Images posted on social media showed buildings with extensive damages from the earthquake and smoke and dust billowing from those sites. People in Caracas were seen congregating in the streets to survey the damage, which included collapsed structures.
People in this region reside largely in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist, according to the U.S.G.S. The main vulnerable buildings are made of unreinforced brick masonry and adobe block construction, the service added.
The earthquake had its epicenter near Montalbán, a town of about 25,000 in the coastal state of Carabobo. It happened at 6:04 p.m. Venezuela time.
Although the quake struck on land, the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves were possible along the coasts of Venezuela, Bonaire and Curaçao and Aruba.
The Venezuelan authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Officials at the United States Embassy in Caracas also did not immediately respond.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
