Earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela within 30 seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and along the coast, and killing thousands of people.

The first earthquake, of magnitude 7.2, struck at 6.04pm local time on 24 June, west of San Felipe in Yaracuy state. It was followed half a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake centred off the coast of La Guaira, near Caracas.

Destruction

Buildings collapsed across the north of the country. The worst damage was in the coastal state of La Guaira, where the majority of buildings are reported to have collapsed, and in Caracas, where apartment blocks, hospitals and schools were damaged.

Rescue teams are searching through the rubble for survivors, and hospitals are overwhelmed with injured people. Power and communications have been cut in many areas.

Officials say thousands of people have been killed, and many more are injured or missing. The United States Geological Survey has warned that the final death toll could be very high.

The strongest for more than a century

The larger earthquake is the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. Northern Venezuela lies on the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, and scientists have long warned that faults in the region could produce a large earthquake.

The earthquakes were caused by movement on the San Sebastian fault system, which runs mostly offshore along the north coast.

A country already struggling

The disaster comes at a difficult time for Venezuela. The country has suffered years of economic crisis, and its political situation has been in turmoil since American forces captured President Nicolas Maduro in January. Many hospitals were already short of equipment and medicines.

International aid

Countries around the world have offered help, including search and rescue teams, medical staff and supplies. Aid agencies have warned that the survivors urgently need shelter, clean water and food.

British nationals in Venezuela have been urged to contact the Foreign Office if they need help.

Aftershocks

Aftershocks continue to shake the region, and people have been advised to stay out of damaged buildings. Many families are sleeping in the open.

Venezuelan communities abroad, including in Britain, are trying to contact relatives and raise money for the relief effort.