Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971 after dozens of buildings collapsed into piles of shattered concrete and steel in and around Caracas, the nation's capital.

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.

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

Thousands feared dead as two powerful earthquakes devastate Venezuela, trapping residents and causing widespread destruction in Caracas.