Scientists warn of widespread destruction after buildings collapse west of Caracas

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake and a 7.5-magnitude were less than a minute apart, said the U.S. Geological Survey. The second earthquake was the largest to hit the country since 1900.

Several earthquakes shook Venezuela's capital of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon,witnesses reported.

As pledges of aid pour in from around the world, acting President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency.

Both quakes measured over 7.0 magnitude, with tremors being felt as far as more than a thousand miles away in Brazil’s Amazon region.

US authorities said "casualties and extensive damage are probable".

Twin 7-magnitude earthquakes have hit Venezuela, with warnings of further powerful aftershocks.

Twin 7-magnitude earthquakes have hit Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse in Caracas, with warnings of further powerful aftershocks.

US Geological Survey says high casualties 'probable' after powerful quakes hit South American country.

Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, local time, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas.

(3rd UPDATE) The USGS, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, says it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000

Magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Caracas, with USGS warning of potentially widespread disaster and up to 100,000 deaths; airport was shut, buildings collapsed and…

The USGS warns the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000

Buildings and houses collapse after a magnitude-7.2 earthquake strikes west of Caracas, leading scientists to estimate "high casualties and extensive damage" in the capital.…

Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday afternoon (local time), bringing down buildings in Caracas and causing scientists to estimate "high casualties…

Powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela, causing damage in the capital, Caracas, and prompting dire warnings from scientists about potential widespread destruction and significant…

Two powerful earthquakes – with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 – sent residents running into the streets as buildings shook and collapsed

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

The quakes were the strongest to hit the country in a century, and resulted in buildings collapsing in the Capital Caracasas. | World News

Authorities have estimated that the number of casualties could be in the tens of thousands

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).