Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency in the country following back-to-back earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which caused multiple buildings to collapse in Caracas and surrounding areas this morning.
Addressing the nation, Ms Rodríguez announced the suspension of classes for students and non-essential activities until further notice. She also activated public and private health networks in the most affected areas.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway at several sites where large structures have collapsed after powerful shocks.
President Delcy Rodríguez said that 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured following a series of powerful earthquakes. Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations in the affected regions.
The death toll and number of injuries are expected to rise as emergency teams assess the full extent of the damage.