Powerful 6.4 Quake Rattles Venezuela

BBC News (Link) (September 13, 2009)

A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Venezuela, knocking out power in the capital and sending people rushing into the streets.

The 6.4-magnitude quake's epicentre was 65 miles (110km) west of Caracas, at a depth of 6.2 miles (10km).

Buildings were damaged and at least seven people were injured in the north-western Falcon state, the worst hit.

The closest town to the epicentre was the oil port of Puerto Cabello, on the country's northern coast.

No damage has been reported to any of the country's oil installations.

Tremors were also felt in nearby Carabobo and Aragua states.

Reuters reported that power was out in one area of the capital and media reports suggested that other regions were also without electricity.

The country's minister for light industry said that efforts were being made to repair any damage to telephone networks or gas and electricity supplies that may have failed after the earthquake.