Venezuela earthquake toll rises to 164

At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other.

The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit northern Venezuela and badly damaged parts of Caracas and nearby coastal areas.

Buildings collapsed, trapping people under rubble as rescue teams searched through the night.

Authorities declared a state of emergency and closed the country’s main international airport after it was damaged.

Power cuts, phone outages and damage to gas and fuel lines were also reported.

Officials warned people to stay away from damaged buildings because of the risk from aftershocks.

The death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings.