TNI Bureau: At least 32 people are dead and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency.

According to authorities, the back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit near the coastal town of Morón shortly after 6 p.m., with tremors felt across large parts of the country and neighbouring regions.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings and reaching affected areas. The hardest-hit region was La Guaira state, where dozens of buildings collapsed and intensive rescue operations are underway.

The earthquakes also damaged and forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas. Metro, rail and natural gas services were suspended, while schools were closed and some educational institutions were converted into temporary shelters and donation centres.

Several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and El Salvador, have offered assistance. Rescue teams, medical aid and humanitarian supplies are being mobilised to support relief efforts.

According to USGS PAGER estimates, there is a possibility of 10,000–100,000 deaths in the devastating twin earthquakes. Official confirmation is awaited.