Powerful earthquake hits Venezuela, state of emergency declared

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Venezuela. Authorities have issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the death toll from the earthquake in Venezuela could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people. The exact number of casualties remains unknown.

The economic damage caused by the earthquake could amount to between 2 percent and 20 percent of the country’s GDP.

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency, presidential envoy Delcy Rodríguez said.

Simón Bolívar International Airport, serving Caracas, has been closed due to damage, Reuters reports.

Internet connectivity across the country has also deteriorated following the earthquake, the international monitoring service NetBlocks says.

The earthquake has affected the country’s energy and telecommunications infrastructure.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to remain outdoors because of the risk of aftershocks.