Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, leading to building collapse and heavy damage to infrastructure. The tremors have prompted scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared that 32 people have lost their lives in the serious tremors while 700 others were injured.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another tremor of magnitude 7.5. The earthquakes were followed by 20 aftershocks that further worsened the situation.
