7.2 and 7.5 Quakes Hit Venezuela; Thousands Feared Dead

The United States is among several countries sending rescue teams to Venezuela’s northern coast after two powerful earthquakes struck almost simultaneously, leaving thousands of people feared dead. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit less than 40 seconds apart late Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of buildings collapsed, and the country’s main gateway, the Simón Bolívar international airport near the capital Caracas, was badly damaged. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Defense Department would help deploy search and rescue teams to the affected region. International crews are racing to reach survivors amid widespread destruction.