Two strong earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon within seconds of each other. The quakes caused buildings to collapse in Caracas, the nation’s capital, and reports indicate people are trapped under rubble. Seismologists have warned of potentially significant casualties as rescue efforts begin. The first quake was followed by a second, compounding the damage and hindering initial response. Authorities have not yet released a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the destruction or the number of injured and missing. The rapid succession of the earthquakes presented immediate challenges for emergency services. Further aftershocks are possible, adding to the instability and risk.