UPDATE: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Jumps to 164 as Nearly 1,000 Injured

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed sharply to at least 164, while 971 people have been injured, interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Thursday.

The updated figures mark a dramatic increase from earlier reports, which put the number of fatalities at 32 and injuries at more than 700, as emergency responders continue rescue and recovery operations across affected areas.

According to Rodriguez, approximately 30 aftershocks have been recorded since the powerful seismic events struck on Wednesday, raising concerns about further structural damage and complicating rescue efforts.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within seconds of each other and caused widespread devastation in parts of the South American nation.

Buildings collapsed, critical infrastructure suffered damage and thousands of residents fled homes and workplaces as the ground shook violently.

One of the most heavily affected areas was the capital, Caracas, where rescue teams and volunteers continued searching through the rubble of destroyed buildings for survivors.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported that a 22-storey building in the Altamira neighbourhood collapsed completely during the disaster.

Distraught relatives gathered around the wreckage, calling out the names of loved ones believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

"We need flashlights," one volunteer shouted as rescuers climbed over the rubble in search of survivors.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake occurred at 22:04 GMT with its epicentre located about 21 kilometres west of the coastal town of Morón.

Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck approximately 45 kilometres away.

The USGS described the incident as a rare seismic "doublet" event.

"This magnitude 7.5 mainshock was preceded by 39 seconds by a 7.2 foreshock," the agency said.

Seismologists say such closely linked earthquakes can significantly increase destruction because structures weakened by the first tremor may collapse during the second.

The earthquakes caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including the temporary closure of Venezuela's main international gateway, Maiquetia International Airport, after authorities reported serious damage to parts of the facility.

Emergency crews, military personnel and volunteers have been deployed across affected regions as authorities work to locate survivors, clear debris and provide medical assistance to the injured.

Hospitals have been placed on emergency footing to accommodate the growing number of casualties.

Government officials warned that the death toll could continue to rise as rescue teams gain access to severely damaged structures and remote communities affected by the disaster.

The earthquakes rank among the deadliest natural disasters to hit Venezuela in recent decades and have prompted an international outpouring of support.

Several countries and international organisations have offered assistance, while emergency agencies continue monitoring aftershocks and assessing the full scale of the destruction.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as the country grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.

AFP