Venezuela earthquake live: State of emergency declared after powerful back-to-back tremors collapse buildings in Caracas

Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage in the capital Caracas.

Several multi-storey buildings collapsed, trapping people under the rubble and leaving rescuers racing to find survivors. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency.

The country’s main international airport was closed due to severe damage.

The death toll was not yet known but authorities said they feared heavy casualties. The US Geological Survey said there was a 44 per cent chance that fatalities could exceed 10,000.