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 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.

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

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

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…

"Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. High casualties and extensive..."

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 major earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit near the Venezuelan capital on Wednesday, collapsing buildings and causing widespread damage.

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.

CARACAS: Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday (Jun 24) afternoon, bringing down buildings in Caracas, trapping people in the rubble and prompting…

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).

Rescuers search for survivors in collapsed buildings as USGS warns of potentially catastrophic casualties

Two earthquakes toppled buildings in Caracas and prompted a frantic effort to rescue survivors in a country already grappling with political and economic turmoil.

US Geological Survey estimates 44 per cent chance fatalities could exceed 10,000

Residents of the capital Caracas were forced to evacuate their residences and seek shelter outdoors as the quakes, which struck less than 200 km from the capital, caused…

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse in Caracas and other affected states. Residents were seen…

Officials have warned that a high death toll is expected following the quakes as rescue workers continue to search for victims of the terrifying tremors near the Venezuelan capital