Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 235 as rescuers race against time

Venezuela's deadliest earthquake in more than a century has killed at least 235 people, injured more than 4,300 and left thousands missing.

Rescuers race against time to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings following two powerful back-to-back tremors that struck the country's northern coast, according to Venezuelan authorities.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck less than a minute apart on Wednesday evening, with epicentres about 160 kilometres west of Caracas, triggering widespread destruction across the capital and the coastal states of La Guaira and Carabobo.

The shaking was felt across much of northern South America, while tsunami warnings were briefly issued for parts of the Caribbean before being lifted, Reuters reported.

More than 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including hospitals, residential towers, government offices and transport infrastructure, according to The Associated Press.

Large sections of Caracas were left without electricity and communications, while the capital's airport and parts of the metro system suspended operations following structural damage. Thousands of residents spent the night outdoors fearing aftershocks.

Search-and-rescue operations continued through Thursday, with emergency crews, soldiers and volunteers digging through rubble using heavy machinery and, in many places, their bare hands.

Authorities said around 200 people were believed trapped beneath collapsed structures, while hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties amid shortages of medical supplies and equipment.

Repeated aftershocks complicated rescue efforts and forced temporary evacuations of damaged buildings, Reuters said.

The U.S. Geological Survey, cited by Reuters, warned the eventual death toll could rise significantly because of the intensity of the shaking and the concentration of vulnerable buildings near the epicentre.

Tens of thousands of people remain unaccounted for or displaced, although officials cautioned that many missing-person reports may stem from communication failures rather than confirmed casualties.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced a $200 million reconstruction fund while appealing for international assistance.

The United Nations has begun coordinating relief operations, and aid has been pledged by countries including the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

Washington has also temporarily eased sanctions to facilitate humanitarian assistance, while satellite internet services were offered to help restore communications in affected areas, according to AP and CNN.