Venezuela’s northern coast was hit by two powerful earthquakes within a minute of each other on Wednesday – the largest to hit the country in more than a century.

Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits near Montalbán, Venezuela, west of Caracas, with potential for damage,

At least 164 people have died and 971 were injured after a pair of powerful quakes rocked Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Thursday, adding that rescue teams are rushing to the hardest-hit areas to free people trapped under rubble.

By Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas CARACAS, June 25 (Reuters) - Thousands of Venezuelans were feared dead on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.

High casualties are expected after an ‘earthquake doublet’ with magnitudes above 7.

Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening. CNN is tracking developments, in maps and charts.

By Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas CARACAS, June 24 (Reuters) - Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring 700 more as buildings collapsed in and around the capital Caracas,

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that "high casualties and damage are probable, and that the disaster is likely widespread."

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas said it is closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquakes in Venezuela and urged American citizens in the country to follow updates through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).