Earthquakes kill 32, injure hundreds in Venezuela

BBC update

BACK-to-back powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital, Caracas, and killing at least 32 people.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declares a state of emergency and says the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas is closed due to damage.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) says the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck west of Moron, about 168 km (104 miles) west of Caracas. A second tremor of magnitude 7.5 hit near the same area just a minute later.

The USGS warns that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable” and that the “disaster is likely widespread."