Two powerful shallow earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people and leaving hundreds trapped under rubble. Caracas and coastal regions suffered severe destruction, with building collapses, power outages, and aftershocks worsening rescue efforts. Authorities have mobilized emergency measures and international aid.

Caracas: Venezuela's health ministry raised the death toll to at least 235 on Thursday evening after two powerful earthquakes struck the country.

Venezuela is racing against time to rescue hundreds believed trapped beneath collapsed buildings after twin powerful earthquakes left more than 200 people dead and many injured, while authorities warned the toll could rise further as rescuers struggled to reach the worst-hit areas.

The shallow earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and striking just 40 seconds apart Wednesday, were the strongest to hit the South American country in more than a century and the deadliest in decades, Xinhua news agency reported.

They devastated parts of the country's central coast and the capital Caracas, triggering widespread building collapses, power and communications outages, while raising fears of further destruction from continuing aftershocks.