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.