At least 32 dead and 700 injured by powerful earthquakes in Venezuela

Massive quakes 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale rocked the country Wednesday evening, with buildings evacuated in cities as far as the Brazilian Amazon, some 1,700km from the Venezuelan capital of Calcaca.

In a brief speech to the nation late Wednesday, Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damage in several states, Telegrafi broadcast.

Earthquakes damaged the country's main airport, Simon Bolivar International, leading to its closure, she said, adding that the lesson was being cancelled for several days to face the crisis in question.

We call on our population to remain calm. We seek unity", Rodríguez added.

Rodríguez also urged all health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals to help anyone injured.

The education ministry said some schools will be used as shelters and donor centres in heavily affected regions.

The US Geological Service initially said the first quake had a 7.1 magnitude, later reviewing that figure at 7.2.

Its empire was west of the Morón community, located along the Caribbean coast of the country, some 168 miles [168 km] west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 miles [22 km].

The agency reported a larger quake of 7.5 magnitudes just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of ten miles [10 km], and its epicentre was 16 miles [16 km] southwest of Morón.

Earthquakes, among the most powerful to hit the South American nation in over a century, struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time.

People evacuated buildings in the Thracian capital, many evidently shocked when they saw walls that had collapsed, making furniture appear off the street.

Dust poles could also be seen in two parts of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are usually busy.

People stayed on the street for hours, even after sundown. Some landed on the ground embracing their domestic animals as dust gathered around them.

The collapsed buildings, collapsed electric poles, and debris blocked roads. Some parts of the capital lost electricity and cell phone connections.

"Started slowly and then grew up gradually, and in the end, we all had to leave our homes, get out and gather together", said Hector Ricci, a resident of Calaki.

Rodríguez, who declared a state of emergency, said that metro and natural gas services in the capital were suspended. It also called on the Venezuelan to report any damage through a government app.

Responding to the news in a post in his Social Truth account, US President Donald Trump wrote: "The two major earthquakes that just hit Venezuela's big people are both massive on the scale and left a devastating death toll of".

"The U.S. are ready, ready and able to help", he added. /Telegraphy/