The full extent of the damage is still to be assessed, but photos and videos show debris strewn on the streets, while rescuers dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings to locate survivors.

In some footage, people can be heard calling for help.

President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, which allows extra resources and personnel to be used for recovery efforts.

In an address to the nation, she expressed her “immediate condolences” to those killed in the quakes, although she did not specify how many people had died.

The mayor of Chacao, Gustavo Duque Saez, told reporters that at least two buildings in this municipality – which forms part of the greater metropolitan area of Caracas – have completely collapsed.

He said 18 people had been rescued alive and that more than 500 emergency workers were on site trying to pull out more residents.

The country’s interior ministry has urged people to leave their homes over concerns of building stability and gas lines possibly being affected.

Fuel supplies into the city have been cut off and internet blackouts have also been reported.

Venezuela’s main international airport, Maiquetía airport – located on the outskirts of Caracas – has also been closed due to earthquake damage.

Metro and train services across the country were paused, Rodríguez told Venezuelans in an address on state TV.

Classes would also be suspended for the remainder of the week, she added.