(AP)Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage in the capital Caracas. Several multi-storey buildings collapsed, trapping people under the rubble and leaving rescuers racing to find survivors. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency.The country’s main international airport was closed due to severe damage. The death toll was not yet known but authorities said they feared heavy casualties. The US Geological Survey said there was a 44 per cent chance that fatalities could exceed 10,000.Caracas resident recalls horrifying moment struck: ‘Roar coming from the ground’A Caracas resident has described the terrifying moments she experienced when the first of Venezuela's powerful earthquakes struck, saying she heard “a roar coming from the ground”.Speaking to CNN en Español, Amparo Diaz recalled the violent shaking that rattled her apartment building. “The walls were moving, and I felt as if I were in water.”People inspect the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, 24 June 2026 (Reuters)She added: “The kitchen collapsed. The living room wall is about to fall; one more movement and it will come down.”“At that moment I only ran out with my rosary, my phone, which I had on me, and my clothes,” she said. “Just now I went back in for a few things because I can’t live there. It’s scary and it could fall.”Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 05:01Emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings in several Caracas districtsEmergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings in several districts of Caracas. In Chacao, Mayor Gustavo Duque Saez said at least two buildings had been completely destroyed.“In Chacao, no one is alone, and we won't move from here until every resident is rescued.”He was quoted as saying by the BBC: “Not only do we have two building which have collapsed but also a list of others whose structure has been compromised.”Scientists warn that the disaster could have severe consequences. The US Geological Survey has indicated there is a significant risk of heavy casualties and widespread damage.Officials say more than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded, complicating rescue efforts and forcing many residents to remain outdoors overnight.Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:53Interior minister urges public to exercise ‘utmost caution’Venezuela’s interior minister Diosdado Cabello has called on residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country.Speaking to local media, Cabello advised people to keep away from buildings and other potentially unsafe structures as authorities continue to assess the damage.A man stands inside a damaged building following an earthquake in Valencia, Venezuela on 24 June 2026 (AFP/Getty)“Go outside, wait calmly outside, and report any situation to the agencies deployed throughout the country,” he said. Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:48US Geological Survey says 44 per cent probability Venezuela toll could exceed 10,000The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes could be severe, according to the US Geological Survey.The agency warned there was a 44 per cent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000 and a significant risk of widespread destruction following the back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes. Rescue teams remain on the ground as authorities work to determine the full scale of casualties and damage. Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:33Venezuela declares a state of emergencyVenezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude rocked the country on Wednesday evening.Hundreds of emergency workers have been deployed to search damaged buildings, while officials have warned residents to stay away from unsafe structures. People react during an earthquake at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, 24 June 2026, in this still image obtained from a social media video (Reuters)More than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded as rescue operations continue across the hardest-hit regions. Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:30Where did two major earthquakes strikeTwo powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast within 40 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening. A 7.2-magnitude tremor was recorded near San Felipe before a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit close to Yumare in Yaracuy state. Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:26Fear grips Venezuela after two massive tremorsFear and uncertainty gripped Venezuela after twin powerful earthquakes rattled the country, leaving cracked buildings, widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure in their wake.Residents poured into the streets as aftershocks threatened further destruction, with many unwilling to return to their homes. The tremors were felt across Venezuela and even reached Bogota, Colombia.A person inspects the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, 24 June 2026 (Reuters)The disaster struck on a national holiday, meaning many families were at home when the earthquakes hit, potentially increasing the impact on communities across the country.Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:19US says it is mobilising assistance for Venezuela after earthquakesThe United States has announced emergency assistance for Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, collapsing buildings and trapping people under rubble.“Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the US will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and ⁠humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster,” US State Department ‌official Jeremy Lewin said on X. Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:15