A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck central-northern Venezuela on Tuesday, causing significant damage in the capital, Caracas, where several residential buildings and other structures reportedly collapsed.


According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near Montalbán at a depth of approximately 13 kilometers.



The strong tremor shook buildings across Caracas, sending residents rushing into the streets as a precaution. Witnesses reported cracks forming in apartment walls and shattered glass at building entrances. Videos shared on social media showed severe structural damage to several buildings throughout the city.


The earthquake also triggered widespread power outages and disrupted internet services in parts of the capital.


Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the tremor was felt across multiple regions of the country. He added that authorities were particularly concerned about the situation in Caracas' Altamira district, where several homes and buildings were reported to have collapsed.


Following the earthquake, tsunami alerts were issued for Puerto Rico, as well as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also warned that hazardous tsunami waves could affect nearby Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.


Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the earthquake resulted in casualties and property damage in Caracas, although the full extent of the impact has yet to be confirmed.