"The Foreign Ministry is conducting a situation assessment with the relevant authorities in Israel and is examining the options for assistance," the statement said.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The Foreign Ministry is examining the move despite the absence of diplomatic relations and no Israeli embassy in Caracas; officials warn death toll could rise significantly as…