Two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 hit northern Venezuela in quick succession around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, local time. At least 32 people were killed, and over 700 were injured, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez reported. This is only an initial tally. The Dutch search and rescue team, USAR, is standing ready to help.

Venezuela faces tragedy after two powerful earthquakes kill 32 and injure 700, with La Guaira severely affected, warns President Rodríguez.

Venezuela faces tragedy after two powerful earthquakes kill 32 and injure 700, with La Guaira severely affected, warns President Rodríguez.

Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds, collapsing buildings in Caracas and La Guaira. Rescue teams searched through rubble as officials declared an emergency and families waited for news.

Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds, collapsing buildings in Caracas and La Guaira. Rescue teams searched through rubble as officials declared an emergency and families waited for news.

The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.