An earthquake measuring at least magnitude 6.1 on the Richter scale has struck in northwest Venezuela, according to several geological research organisations, sending tremors across the South American country, including the capital Caracas.

Tremors were also felt in several other states in Venezuela, as well as over the border in neighbouring Colombia, with residential and office buildings evacuated along the frontier.

No damage or casualties have been reported so far.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck on Wednesday, with the epicentre located 24km (15 miles) from the community of Mene Grande in Zulia state, about 600km (370 miles) west of Venezuela’s capital Caracas.

The USGS recorded the earthquake’s depth as 7.8km (5 miles).

The town of Mene Grand

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