Two earthquakes hit Venezuela – how bad is the damage?

The extent of the damage remains to be assessed, but photos and videos show debris strewn across the streets as rescue workers dig through the rubble of surviving buildings.

In some of the recordings, people can be heard calling for help.

President Delsey Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, allowing more resources and personnel to be used in recovery efforts.

In her address to the nation, she did not say how many people had died, but expressed her “immediate condolences” to those killed in the earthquake.

Chacao Mayor Gustavo Duque Saz told reporters that at least two buildings in this municipality – which is part of Caracas’ largest metropolitan area – had completely collapsed.

He said 18 people had survived and more than 500 emergency workers were on the scene trying to evacuate more residents.

The country’s interior ministry has urged people to leave their homes due to threats to stability and the construction of gas lines.

It has been reported that fuel supplies to the city have been cut off and internet services have also been cut.

Venezuela’s main international airport – Myketia Airport on the outskirts of Caracas – was also closed due to the earthquake.

Metro and train services across the country are at a standstill, Rodriguez said in an address to Venezuelans on state television.

She said that classes will also be suspended for the rest of the week.