Over 100 Dead After Two Earthquakes Hit Venezuela Seconds Apart

At least 164 people are dead and nearly 1,000 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and triggering a massive rescue effort.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit less than a minute apart at around 6 p.m. local time. According to reports, both quakes occurred at relatively shallow depths of less than 30 kilometres, increasing the likelihood of severe damage at the surface.

The hardest-hit area is the northern state of La Guaira, where dozens of buildings reportedly collapsed. Among them was a 10-storey hotel that was reduced to rubble.

Emergency crews have been combing through collapsed buildings in the capital, Caracas, where survivors have reportedly been heard calling for help from beneath the debris. Video circulating online captured the moment the tremors shook homes and buildings across the city.

The US Geological Survey estimates potential fatalities could exceed 10,000.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has announced a $200 million fund to rebuild housing and infrastructure following the double quakes.