Powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have killed at least 920 people. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Officials expect the death toll to rise as crews reach more damaged communities.

The earthquakes struck on the evening of June 24. They measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred just 39 seconds apart. The epicentre was near Yumare, about 173 miles west of Caracas. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the first quake was a foreshock. The second and stronger quake was the mainshock. Scientists described the event as a rare earthquake doublet because two powerful quakes happened almost at the same place and time.

The earthquakes caused major damage across northern Venezuela. Many homes, apartment buildings and hospitals collapsed. Debris blocked roads and slowed rescue efforts. La Guaira was one of the worst-hit areas. Emergency crews believe many people are still trapped under the rubble.

Rescue workers have searched around the clock since the disaster. Venezuelan officials said about 200 people remained trapped after the quakes. By June 26, more than 800 international rescue workers had arrived to help. Several countries, including the United States, announced they would send search-and-rescue teams to support the operation.

The disaster has also injured nearly 3,000 people. Hospitals continue to treat survivors despite damage to some medical facilities. Spain confirmed that three of its citizens died in the earthquakes. Authorities also reported that several other Spanish nationals remain missing or trapped.

Venezuela sits where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet. This location makes earthquakes a constant risk. Even so, experts say quakes this powerful are rare in the affected region. The USGS said the June 24 mainshock was the strongest recorded there since 1900. Early estimates suggest the final death toll could reach into the thousands. Rescue crews continue to clear debris and search for anyone who may still be alive.