India, June 25 -- A series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has left at least 164 people dead and 971 injured, according to the country's acting president Delcy Rodriguez, as rescue operations continue across severely affected regions.

The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit near the northern coastal region and triggered widespread destruction, including the collapse of multiple buildings in and around Caracas and La Guaira.

Authorities said entire neighbourhoods have been badly affected, with emergency teams working through rubble to search for survivors. Hospitals in the capital and nearby states are overwhelmed as injured residents continue to arrive.

The government has declared a state of emergency and...