At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, triggering widespread destruction, panic, and a major emergency response across the country.

The twin quakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, hit near the Caribbean coast late Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse, damaging critical infrastructure, and forcing thousands of residents onto the streets. The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency as rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath the rubble.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said early Thursday that authorities had confirmed 32 deaths and over 700 injuries, warning that the toll could rise as information from the worst-affected areas continues to emerge.

According to AFP, rescue workers and local residents worked through the night in devastated neighborhoods, climbing over collapsed structures in desperate efforts to locate survivors. In Caracas' Altamira district, a 22-story residential building was reduced to rubble, with relatives calling out the names of missing loved ones as volunteers searched through the debris.

The earthquakes were followed by at least 20 aftershocks, further heightening fears among residents and complicating rescue operations. Authorities ordered evacuations in several areas and shut off gas supplies to damaged buildings to prevent fires and explosions.

"We have some damaged structures and we don't want any kind of accident involving gas to occur," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said.

The country's main gateway, Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas, was forced to suspend operations after sustaining severe structural damage. Images circulating on social media showed cracked walls, collapsed ceilings, and significant destruction across parts of the terminal.

Residents described scenes of chaos as the earthquakes struck. Many rushed down emergency staircases while others remained trapped inside damaged buildings.

"It was horrible," said Caracas resident Odalis Escalona, recalling how walls cracked and debris fell from the ceiling during the tremors.

The United States announced it was dispatching search-and-rescue teams, medical assistance, and humanitarian aid to support relief efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said emergency resources were being mobilized immediately in response to the disaster.

The quakes were also felt across neighboring Colombia, where authorities received hundreds of reports of tremors. However, officials ruled out any tsunami threat following the seismic event.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the magnitude 7.5 earthquake was preceded by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock just 39 seconds earlier, describing the event as a rare and powerful seismic doublet.

As rescue efforts intensify, authorities fear the death toll could rise further, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and other heavily affected regions where communications and infrastructure have been severely disrupted.

BOB Post