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 BBC, the second quake - a magnitude 7.5 - 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.

Venezeula's interim president Delcy Rodríguez 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.