In a brief address to the nation late on Wednesday, acting president Delcy Rodriguez warned the toll was expected to rise as rescuers search collapsed buildings and emergency crews reach devastated areas.

Ms Rodriguez declared a state of emergency in an address to the nation late on Wednesday and said the quakes caused damage in several states.

The casualty figures released early Thursday excluded the state of La Guaira, which the acting president described as a “disaster zone” and the area hardest hit.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Caracas, and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” she said.

The earthquakes damaged and closed Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas, the country’s main airport, Ms Rodriguez said, adding that subway and natural gas services in Caracas were cancelled.

She urged Venezuelans to report any damages through a government app.

Ms Rodriguez said school classes would be cancelled for several days. The Ministry of Education said some school buildings would be used as shelters and donation centres.

“We urge our population to remain calm,” said Ms Rodriguez, who asked health care professionals to report to hospitals to assist the injured. “We urge unity.” In the coastal state of Falcon, Governor Víctor Clark said 32 people were in hospital and more than four hours after the earthquake, there were still 15 people trapped.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2.

Its epicentre was west of the community of Moron, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 1,104 miles west of Caracas.

The quake had a depth of 13.6 miles.

The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 6.2 miles and its epicentre was 10 miles southwest of Moron.

The quakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6pm.

Offers of help were made by various governments, including the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X that the United States is “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela”.

Jeremy P Lewin, the US undersecretary of state for foreign assistance, said the State Department had mobilised a disaster assistance team and task force to organise aid in co-ordination with the interim Venezuelan government.

Ms Rodriguez said that Qatar had already sent rescuers who were expected to arrive within the next day, along with rescue personnel from Mexico and El Salvador.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, once diametrically opposed to Venezuela’s government, said in a post on X that he had offered aid.

“We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela,” Mr Bukele wrote.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to help respond to the emergency.

“Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment this moment demands because, despite our enormous differences, humanity must always guide the actions of a leader,” Mr Noboa wrote.

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, who less than a week ago declared a state of emergency in his country following weeks of anti-government protests, said his country stood ready to provide any needed assistance.

The administration of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva expressed solidarity and said no Brazilians reported being injured.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X: “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela.” He added: “India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.” People evacuated swaying buildings in the capital, Caracas, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street.

Dust columns could also be seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy.

People remained on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground, hugging their pets as dust gathered around them. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles and debris blocked streets.

Parts of the capital lost power and phone signal.

“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said.

Roberto Gamas, another Caracas resident, said the building he was in “really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong”.

The lack of phone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis.

Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, sent prayers and wish strength to Venezuelans.

“May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time,” she said on X.

Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said the quake could be felt in several states and asked motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Mr Cabello said, urging people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage structures.

“Be very careful with children and the elderly. Call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”