At least 32 dead, 700 injured in Venezuelan earthquakes: acting president

CARACAS - At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes jolted Venezuela late Wednesday, the country's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said early Thursday.

Rodriguez said the coastal state of La Guaira in northern Venezuela was the hardest hit, describing it as a "disaster zone," where dozens of buildings had completely collapsed.

"La Guaira state is a true tragedy," Rodriguez said on Venezuelan state television.

The preliminary toll of 32 deaths and 700 injuries did not involve La Guaira state, as connectivity problems are currently affecting the area, she said.

The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.1 quake at 2204 GMT on Wednesday, followed just one minute later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Both struck near the coastal town of Moron, about 160 km west of the capital of Caracas.

The quakes were shallow with a depth of 10 km, which could intensify their destructive impact.

Rescue operations are underway as the country has declared a state of emergency following the strong earthquakes, which could result in high casualties and extensive damage.

Rodriguez said international rescue teams are expected to arrive in the coming hours.

Rodriguez said that Qatar had already sent rescuers who were expected in Venezuela the next day, along with rescue personnel from Mexico and El Salvador.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to help respond to the emergency.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to Venezuela.

China will do what it can to offer assistance in light of Venezuela's need, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.

The Venezuelan government said all school activities nationwide have been suspended until further notice due to the severe damage caused by the twin earthquakes.

The education ministry said many schools would be converted into collection centers, and state television reported that other educational institutions would be used as temporary shelters for those affected.

Services on the Caracas Metro and the railway line connecting Caracas with the state of Miranda were also temporarily suspended as a precaution to protect public safety.

All nonessential activities have also been suspended for the rest of the week.

"We have activated the country's entire public and private health network, especially in the hardest-hit areas, to treat the injured," Rodriguez said.