Powerful earthquake rocks Venezuela, some Caribbean countries
Venezuela’s northern coast has been rocked by a powerful earthquake that was felt across the Caribbean and sent people rushing out into the streets hundreds of kilometres away in the capital, Caracas.
Residents of neighbouring Guyana, as well as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported feeling strong shaking.
Trinidad Express newspaper says reports are beginning to come in of widespread damage as a result of the earthquake in the twin island.
Buildings have sustained structural damage, cars have been flattened by falling concrete and supermarkets are reporting losses.
There is also significant loss of telecommunication being reported.
The United States Geological Survey said a 7.3 magnitude earthquake had struck off the South American country’s northern coast at 5.31 pm local time.
The earthquake was felt more than 600 kilometres further east in Caracas, where the crisis-stricken nation’s political leaders were celebrating a new economic plan they claim will rescue Venezuela’s crumbling economy.
Footage posted on social media by one Venezuelan journalist showed terrified residents racing out into the street after the quake struck.