India, June 25 -- Venezuela has been hit by two powerful back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, causing widespread destruction across the northern part of the country. The earthquakes struck within seconds of each other near the Caribbean coast, sending strong tremors across the capital, Caracas, and several nearby states.

According to preliminary official reports, at least 32 people have lost their lives and more than 700 have been injured. Several buildings collapsed, roads and public infrastructure suffered heavy damage, and the country's main international airport was temporarily closed.

Emergency teams are working around the clock to search for survivors, while authorities have declared a state of emergency in...