Two powerful earthquakes hit central Venezuela within minutes on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings, knocking out power and sending residents fleeing into the streets as emergency crews searched for survivors.

Strong Back-To-Back Quakes

U.S. monitoring agencies reported a magnitude 7.2 quake followed less than a minute later by a 7.5 tremor near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, about 200 miles west of Caracas, according to reports. Officials described the event as a rare "seismic doublet" capable of intensifying structural damage.

Emergency Response Underway

Authorities declared a state of emergency as rescue teams pulled survivors from rubble, including a child and a dog. Venezuela President Delcy Rodríguez said, "We extend our immediate condolences" to the families of victims, while urging medical staff to report for duty. Witnesses reported blackouts, collapsing structures and mass evacuations. Officials are still assessing casualties as search and rescue operations continue.