A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, but the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says there is no tsunami threat or expected impacts for Barbados.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 6:05 p.m. at a depth of 10 kilometres. BMS has issued a Green earthquake information statement, advising that the event has little or no tsunami-generating potential and that no evacuation is necessary.

The public is encouraged to continue monitoring official updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services.