Magnitude-7.1 earthquake strikes Venezuela, toppling buildings in Caracas

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday (local time), collapsing housing and buildings in the capital, Caracas.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck Wednesday afternoon near Montalbán in north-central Venezuela at a depth of 13 kilometers.

The powerful tremor sent buildings across Caracas shaking violently, prompting residents to rush outside.

Local witnesses said cracks appeared on the exterior walls of apartment buildings and glass windows at building entrances were shattered.

Footage shot by witnesses showed fire trucks deployed across Caracas streets and severe damage to the outer walls of several buildings. Power outages and internet disruptions were also reported in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the tremors were felt across multiple states.

He added that a "worrying situation" had unfolded in the Altamira district of Caracas, where housing and buildings had collapsed.

Tsunami threat warnings were issued for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The US Tsunami Warning System warned that dangerous tsunami waves could strike island areas near the Venezuelan coast, including Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

Russia's RIA Novosti reported casualties and property damage in Caracas from the earthquake.