Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela near Caracas, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 700. The quakes caused widespread destruction, collapsed buildings, disrupted transport and utilities, and prompted a state of emergency. Rescue operations are ongoing, with international aid arriving as authorities warn the casualty toll could rise.

Venezuela: Powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening killed at least 32 people and injured at least 700, the nation's acting president said, as communities across the South American country sustained damage.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez warned the toll was expected to rise as rescuers searched collapsed buildings and emergency crews reached devastated areas after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck shortly after 6 pm.

Rodríguez declared a state of emergency in an address to the nation late Wednesday and said the quakes caused damage in several states. The casualty figures released early Thursday excluded the state of La Guaira, which Rodríguez described as a “disaster zone” and the area hardest hit.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Caracas, and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” she said.