Buildings collapse as earthquake rocks Venezuela

A strong ⁠earthquake shook north-central Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, west of Caracas, bringing down buildings in the capital, though authorities did not immediately report any casualties.

The earthquake registered at a magnitude 7.1, about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas, at a depth of 13km (eight ‌miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

“Some buildings have been brought down [in Caracas], houses have collapsed,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television. He did not give any initial estimates of deaths or injuries, and said protocols were being followed to gather more information.

Video footage showed emergency workers climbing into the ruins of one collapsed building in the capital as night began to ⁠fall.

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quake hit, celebrating a public holiday commemorating an 1821 military victory ‌which secured Venezuela’s independence from Spain.

“There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said ‌Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.