At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela within minutes of each other. 

The tremors caused widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and surrounding regions, collapsing dozens of buildings and trapping residents under rubble. 

Authorities have declared a state of emergency as rescue teams continue searching for survivors. 

The hardest-hit area is La Guaira state, where extensive damage has been reported. 

Officials warn that the death toll may rise as emergency workers reach affected communities and assess the full scale of the disaster.