Powerful earthquakes, registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and occurring within a minute of each other, have caused significant damage in Caracas, Venezuela, and its surrounding areas. A building collapse on the outskirts of the capital has resulted in an unspecified level of chaos. The quakes represent some of the most severe seismic activity experienced in the region recently. Authorities have not yet released details regarding casualties or the extent of the damage beyond the reported building collapse. Rescue and assessment efforts are likely underway, though hampered by the immediate aftermath of the event. The proximity in time of the two earthquakes exacerbated the impact and potential for structural failure.