At least 32 people were killed, and about 700 were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and prompting a nationwide emergency response.

The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck within seconds of each other near the Caribbean coastal city of Morón, about 100 miles west of Caracas. The first quake occurred at a depth of about 13.6 miles, followed by a second at a depth of roughly 6.2 miles.

The U.S. Geological Survey issued its highest-level alert, indicating the earthquakes were likely to result in extensive casualties and severe economic losses.

Venezuelan officials reported that buildings collapsed or sustained heavy damage in Caracas and several surrounding states. Search-and-rescue teams continued combing through rubble Thursday in hopes of finding survivors, while authorities warned the death toll could rise.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions. She also thanked President Donald Trump after he publicly offered U.S. assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.

The U.S. State Department said it had mobilized a disaster assistance team to coordinate emergency aid with Venezuela’s interim government. Planned assistance includes search-and-rescue personnel, medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and other resources needed during the critical first days of the response.

The earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in recent years, leaving thousands of residents facing damaged homes, disrupted infrastructure and ongoing aftershock concerns as emergency crews continue recovery efforts.

Source: Axios