Magnitude 7.1 quake hits Venezuela, causing high casualties
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck north-central Venezuela, collapsing buildings in Caracas. Estimated economic losses are 1-4% of Venezuelan GDP.
The USGS PAGER system issued a red alert for both shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. The epicentre is close to some of Venezuela’s largest oil refineries.
The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued a tsunami threat for several islands before withdrawing the warning within approximately one hour.