The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes could be severe, according to the US Geological Survey.

The agency warned there was a 44 per cent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000 and a significant risk of widespread destruction following the back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes.

Rescue teams remain on the ground as authorities work to determine the full scale of casualties and damage.

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude rocked the country on Wednesday evening.

Hundreds of emergency workers have been deployed to search damaged buildings, while officials have warned residents to stay away from unsafe structures.

More than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded as rescue operations continue across the hardest-hit regions.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast within 40 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening.

A 7.2-magnitude tremor was recorded near San Felipe before a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit close to Yumare in Yaracuy state.

Fear and uncertainty gripped Venezuela after twin powerful earthquakes rattled the country, leaving cracked buildings, widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure in their wake.

Residents poured into the streets as aftershocks threatened further destruction, with many unwilling to return to their homes. The tremors were felt across Venezuela and even reached Bogota, Colombia.

The disaster struck on a national holiday, meaning many families were at home when the earthquakes hit, potentially increasing the impact on communities across the country.

The United States has announced emergency assistance for Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, collapsing buildings and trapping people under rubble.

“Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the US will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and ⁠humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster,” US State Department ‌official Jeremy Lewin said on X.