Venezuela earthquake live: state of emergency declared after officials warn of widespread damage and high casualties

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced a state of emergency. “We ask the population to remain calm and united,” she said on state TV.

Rodríguez said the country’s main airport had been closed after suffering “severe damage” and announced that the metro and train systems had been halted. “We send our immediate condolences to those who have lost relatives,” Rodríguez added, although she did not say how many casualties or fatalities there had been.

Rodríguez urged citizens to evacuate damaged buildings.