Powerful twin earthquakes hammer Venezuela, killing dozens and injuring 700

Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971 others, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The first quake hit near San Felipe, about 100 miles west of Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Yumare. The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblors rank among Venezuela's strongest in over a century, collapsing buildings in the capital and causing widespread damage.

Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, closed Caracas airport, and suspended schools and non-essential activities. The state of La Guaira north of Caracas was described as a "disaster zone" with additional casualties expected. The U.S., China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico pledged assistance, with President Trump directing federal agencies to deploy search-and-rescue teams and humanitarian aid. At least 20 aftershocks have been recorded.