Guwahati, June 25 -- By NE NOW NEWS

Guwahati: Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes in quick succession on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency as rescue teams raced to search for survivors.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas, followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. The rare seismic doublet sent shockwaves across much of the country and was felt in neighbouring regions of the Caribbean.

Several buildings reportedly collapsed in the capital Caracas and nearby coastal areas, including La Guaira, trapping residents ben...