At least 32 killed, more than 700 injured after back-to-back major earthquakes devastate Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela about 120 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on state television early Thursday.

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An initial magnitude 7.2 earthquake was the first event in a doublet, and was followed roughly 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5 mainshock, resulting in the issuance of a rare red alert by the U.S. Geological Survey for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe, Venezuela, at a depth of about 13.6 miles.

A second major earthquake struck just seconds later, according to the USGS. The magnitude 7.5 quake occurred at 6:05 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 14 miles southeast of Yumare, Venezuela, at a depth of approximately 6 miles.

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The second-highest shaking level rated by the USGS, classified as "violent," was reported in the city of San Cabello, with a population of 209,000.

Rodriguez said she expects the death toll to rise, noting that officials have not received casualty numbers from the state of La Guaira, which she identified as suffering some of the most extensive damage.

La Guaira is about 30 miles north of Caracas. Images from the area showed dozens of collapsed buildings.

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Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas and is Venezuela's primary international airport, sustained damage and is currently closed, Rodriguez said.

The acting president said she has been in contact with President Donald Trump and other international leaders who have promised aid.

The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that there was a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could be hazardous along coasts and beaches.

The tsunami warnings were canceled in a later advisory issued at 7:12 p.m.

According to NWS tsunami forecasts, wave heights affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were expected to remain below 1 foot.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX Weather for the latest.