Powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake’s epicenter was west of the community of Moron, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 104 miles west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 8 miles.

People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seeing in two neighborhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.

This is a developing story and will be updated.