Officials said at least 235 people have died, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings|@delcyrodriguezv|X

Two powerful earthquakes have killed hundreds of people and left thousands missing in Venezuela, causing widespread destruction in Caracas and nearby coastal areas.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 km west of the capital on Wednesday, followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 tremor, the country’s most powerful since 1900. 

While officials said at least 235 people have died, the United States Geological Survey says the death toll from the earthquakes could surpass 10,000. According to the USGS website, the estimates were partly based on widespread use of “vulnerable building types” in the affected areas.

Rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.

The number of injured has climbed to 4,300, Venezuela’s health minister said.

Around 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including hospitals, the Venezuelan Red Cross headquarters, and the French embassy.