Caracas, June 25: Thousands are feared dead after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Thursday, causing widespread destruction in and around the capital, Caracas, and triggering frantic rescue operations.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Authorities have so far confirmed at least 32 deaths and around 700 injuries, but the toll is expected to rise sharply as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings.

Emergency workers worked through the night in Caracas and nearby regions, where dozens of structures were reduced to rubble. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said casualty figures from the worst-hit La Guaira state, home to Caracas’ main airport, had not yet been fully assessed.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are carrying out intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as possible,” Rodriguez said in a televised address.

The USGS estimated that fatalities could reach the thousands, with a significant possibility that the death toll may exceed 10,000. A missing persons website shared by opposition leaders listed more than 6,600 people as unaccounted for within hours of the disaster.

The earthquakes struck on a public holiday, when many residents were at home. Survivors described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently and people rushed into the streets.

“There was a very loud crash. Things fell everywhere. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said Caracas resident Coro Martinez.

Videos circulating on social media showed damage at Maiquetia Airport, where falling debris and dust clouds forced evacuations. A tsunami warning was briefly issued but later canceled after authorities determined there was no longer a threat.

Hospitals across Caracas prepared for a surge in casualties. Medical staff at the Hospital de Clinicas were asked to remain on extended shifts to treat the injured. Schools and educational institutions were closed for the remainder of the week as officials assessed the extent of the damage.

The Venezuelan Red Cross reported severe damage to its headquarters but said rescue teams had been deployed to affected areas. Authorities also warned residents to remain alert due to the risk of strong aftershocks.

Several countries, including Brazil, Spain, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, offered assistance and condolences. The U.S. State Department said it was coordinating with Venezuelan authorities and mobilizing support.

Despite the devastation, there were no immediate reports of major damage to Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Facilities including the El Palito refinery and installations near Lake Maracaibo appeared to remain operational. Energy companies, including Shell, reported that all employees were safe.

Venezuela lies in a seismically active region where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet. The country has experienced major earthquakes in the past, including the devastating 1812 quake that reportedly killed tens of thousands.