At least 235 people have been killed and more than 1,500 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday, triggering widespread devastation across the country.
The second quake, which measured a magnitude of 7.5, is among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
Buildings collapsed, residents fled into the streets, and rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath rubble, particularly in the worst-hit northern coastal regions.
Here is what we know so far:
Twin earthquakes strike within seconds
The earthquakes occurred at about 6:04 p.m. local time (22:04 GMT).
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and struck the western state of Yaracuy at a depth of 22 kilometres.
Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck nearby at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
Although both epicentres were outside the capital, Caracas, powerful tremors caused extensive damage across the city.
Authorities say more than 30 aftershocks have since been recorded.
Death toll expected to rise
Venezuela’s Health Minister, Carlos Alvarado, confirmed that at least 235 people have died, while more than 1,500 others have been injured.
Officials believe the number of casualties is likely to increase as rescue teams continue clearing collapsed buildings.
The USGS has warned that the final death toll could be significantly higher based on the strength of the earthquakes, the shallow depth of the tremors and the vulnerability of buildings in the affected areas.
Major destruction across northern Venezuela
Authorities say at least 250 buildings have either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage, particularly in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit regions.
Several apartment blocks, hotels and commercial buildings have been reduced to rubble.
Fuel supplies into Caracas have been disrupted, while internet outages have also been reported.
The country’s main international airport has been closed because of earthquake damage, with metro and railway services suspended nationwide.
Schools have also been closed for the remainder of the week.
State of emergency declared
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a nationwide state of emergency to facilitate rescue operations and speed up the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Thousands of residents have been advised to remain outdoors over fears that weakened buildings could collapse.
A tsunami warning issued for parts of Venezuela’s coastline and nearby Caribbean islands was later cancelled.
Why was the damage so severe
Experts say the destruction was worsened because both earthquakes were relatively shallow, occurring less than 25 kilometres below the Earth’s surface.
Shallow earthquakes typically generate stronger ground shaking than deeper tremors.
Scientists also described the event as a rare “doublet” earthquake sequence, where two powerful earthquakes of similar magnitude occur almost back-to-back in the same area, greatly increasing the level of destruction.
International support begins
Several countries have announced emergency assistance for Venezuela.
The United States has pledged military transport, search-and-rescue teams and humanitarian aid worth about $150 million.
Other countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile and the Dominican Republic, have also offered rescue personnel, equipment and relief supplies.
The United Nations and the European Union have activated emergency response mechanisms to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
