Venezuela’s Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared a nationwide state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck in rapid succession, devastating Caracas and several other cities across the country.

Thousands are feared dead after multiple high-rise buildings collapsed, trapping scores of residents beneath the rubble and triggering a massive search-and-rescue effort.

In a national address, Rodriguez announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the week and said all public and private healthcare facilities have been placed on emergency footing to treat the growing number of injured, particularly in the hardest-hit areas.