Updated 01.44 | Published 00.35
Two strong earthquakes have struck Venezuela, according to the United States Geological Survey USGS. They have caused panic in the capital Caracas, where buildings have collapsed.
The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, the second had a magnitude of 7.5. The USGS states that both earthquakes occurred off Morón, which is located on the coast of Venezuela. They have had a depth of around ten kilometres.
People in Caracas have evacuated buildings and homes that swayed. Many were clearly shocked when they saw entire walls collapsed and furniture could be seen from the streets. In a shopping center in the city, people started screaming.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warns of serious situations with collapsed homes in Altamira, Caracas, and urges people to stay outdoors.
Several aftershocks have also occurred, and at least the first quake was felt in several states as well as in Colombia. It was felt as far away as in the Colombian capital, Bogotá. There, alarms were sounded and some residents evacuated buildings as a safety measure.
