09:24

Two powerful earthquakes shook the Venezuelan capital of Caracas seconds apart, killing at least 32 people and injuring around 700, the country's interim president has said.

Axar.az reports, citing the BBC, that the second quake - a magnitude 7.5 - was one of the strongest tremors to hit the South American country in a century.

Buildings collapsed, and residents rushed to the streets for safety as the quakes struck.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency and said airport, rail and transport services have been paused.

Rescuers are racing to find survivors who may be trapped under rubble.

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The death toll from the earthquake in northern Venezuela has risen to 164, while the number of injured has reached 971.

The announcement was made by Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez.

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The death toll from the earthquake in Venezuela has later increased to 188, with 1,520 people injured.

This was reported by Jorge Rodriguez, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.