Venezuela declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within seconds of each other on Wednesday, collapsing buildings, trapping people under rubble and prompting warnings from scientists that the disaster could result in a high death toll.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. 

The agency issued a red alert, saying "high casualties and extensive damage are probable," with an initial estimate that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000, although no official death toll has yet been released. 

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, saying emergency services had been fully mobilized while expressing condolences to the families of those killed. She did not disclose casualty figures but confirmed that rescue operations were underway across the affected areas. 

Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas was closed because of damage, while authorities suspended classes and urged residents to remain outdoors due to continuing aftershocks. 

The strongest shaking was reported in Caracas and surrounding regions, where residential buildings, hotels and other structures collapsed. Video footage showed emergency workers searching through mangled concrete while anxious relatives gathered outside damaged buildings hoping for news of missing family members. 

Reuters reported that at least 22 people were injured in the coastal state of Falcón, while 15 others remained missing as rescue efforts continued through the night. 

Residents described scenes of panic as buildings swayed violently during a national holiday, sending thousands fleeing into the streets. 

"Everyone was running down the stairs," one Caracas resident told Reuters after the shaking began. The capital, which suffered a deadly earthquake in 1967, experienced nearly two dozen aftershocks following the main quakes. 

A tsunami warning issued for parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, was later withdrawn after authorities determined the threat had subsided. 

Initial assessments indicated Venezuela's vital oil infrastructure escaped major damage, although inspections were continuing.