More than 200 people have been killed and over 4,000 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s coastline on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread destruction and a massive emergency response.

The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, was followed moments later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor, sending shockwaves across the country and causing buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas.

The powerful quakes prompted thousands of residents to flee into the streets as emergency sirens sounded and rescue crews rushed to the hardest-hit areas.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said authorities have launched intensive search-and-rescue operations to locate survivors believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Emergency personnel, including firefighters, medical teams and civil defense units, have been deployed across affected communities as recovery efforts continue.

“Our rescue teams are carrying out intensive operations to find and assist those who may still be trapped,” Rodríguez said.

Officials warned that the death toll could continue to rise as search crews gain access to heavily damaged structures and assess the full extent of the devastation.

The earthquakes caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure, with authorities continuing to evaluate the impact across multiple regions.

Hospitals have been placed on emergency footing to treat thousands of injured residents, while temporary shelters have been established for people displaced by the disaster.

Authorities have urged the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to avoid damaged buildings until structural inspections can be completed.

The twin earthquakes rank among the deadliest natural disasters to strike Venezuela in recent years, with rescue operations expected to continue around the clock as emergency crews race to locate survivors.

Government officials said additional updates on casualties and damage will be released as more information becomes available.