Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes trigger widespread destruction, mass rescues, and fears the death toll could surge into the thousands.

Venezuela has been plunged into disaster after two powerful earthquakes struck within seconds of each other, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

The back-to-back quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit near the capital Caracas on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread panic, collapsing buildings, and knocking out critical infrastructure. The tremors were strong enough to be felt as far away as Bogotá, Colombia.

Emergency crews are racing against time, combing through rubble in multiple parts of Caracas where survivors are believed to be trapped. Witnesses and reporters on the ground described hearing cries for help beneath collapsed structures, as rescue teams work through the night.

The destruction extends beyond the coastal city of La Guaira, a 10-storey hotel has been reduced to debris, underscoring the scale of the catastrophe. Significant damage has also been reported across several northern regions.

Power outages have crippled large parts of Caracas, while transport systems have ground to a halt. Authorities have shut down the metro network, suspended train services, and closed the main international airport after structural damage was discovered. Schools have also been ordered shut for the remainder of the week.

More than 20 aftershocks have already rattled the country, deepening fears among residents, many of whom have spent the night outdoors to avoid unstable buildings.

While the confirmed death toll stands at 32, experts warn the true scale of the tragedy could be far greater. The US Geological Survey has issued a “red alert,” estimating that fatalities could potentially range from 10,000 to 100,000 based on early modelling, though officials stress this is not a final count.

The earthquakes struck during a national holiday, when many people were at home—raising concerns that more victims may still be buried under debris.

International support is beginning to mobilize. The United States has pledged immediate deployment of search-and-rescue teams, along with medical and humanitarian aid. Several Latin American countries have also offered assistance, sending personnel and supplies.

As the country grapples with the aftermath, authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage. For now, Venezuela faces a race against time—searching for survivors while bracing for what could become one of the deadliest natural disasters in its history.