Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, within a minute of each other overnight, causing widespread damage.
The first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2, followed shortly by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor.
This is unusual in that aftershocks are typically smaller in impact, suggesting that these were two separate earthquakes that were not linked.
Rescue teams have been deployed across the city and are searching through the rubble for survivors.
BC Mundo contributor Nicole Kolster, reporting from Caracas, said she could hear people trapped beneath collapsed buildings calling for help as emergency crews continued their efforts.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and expressed her condolences to the victims and their families.
At least 32 are dead, and around 700 injured.
Tragically, the US Geological Survey earlier calculated a 44% chance of more than 10,000 fatalities, and a 30% chance of more than 100,000
The United States has sent help.
The full scale of the destruction remains uncertain.
Authorities have urged residents to leave damaged buildings and remain outdoors as a precaution against potential aftershocks. Images from Caracas show large crowds gathered in the streets following the earthquakes.
Smaller earthquakes reverberated around Japan, Philippines, and California shortly after.
