⁠Thousands of Venezuelans were feared dead on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and ⁠around the capital Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey.Emergency workers scrambled over the debris of collapsed buildings in Caracas as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones feared trapped. Dazed survivors were taken away, some on stretchers.Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said at least 164 people were confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 injured, and the worst-affected area was La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city’s airport. Witnesses’ footage there showed scenes of panic as ceilings came down.“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save,” Rodriguez said in an appearance on state television just before 1am local time on Thursday.Strong back-to-back earthquakes rock Venezuela“I also want to say that this is a true tragedy. From here, we send our message of solidarity, and to those families who have lost loved ones, we reaffirm our condolences and our support in these difficult hours.”