Death toll rises after powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela

At least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 others were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela overnight, according to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

(NBC)- At least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 others were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela overnight, according to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

Officials say the death toll is expected to rise as search-and-rescue operations continue.

The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, caused widespread damage across multiple cities, collapsing buildings and trapping people beneath the rubble.

Just minutes later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck the country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Venezuelan officials have declared a state of emergency as emergency crews search for survivors and assess the full extent of the destruction.

Governments and humanitarian organizations from around the world, including the United States, have offered assistance to support relief and recovery efforts.

Authorities continue urging residents to remain alert as crews respond to the disaster.