Update: As of Friday morning local time, the death toll stands over 900 and over 50,000 people have been reported missing, according to Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that casualties could reach as high as 100,000.

The United States has dispatched several Urban Search and Rescue task forces from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as the wider global community responds to assist the Venezuelan government.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, shaking the capital, Caracas, and collapsing buildings as emergency crews began rescue operations.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock near Morón, west of Caracas. The shaking was felt across the capital and in neighboring Colombia.

Images and reports from Caracas showed damaged and collapsed structures, with residents rushing into the streets and rescue workers searching for people trapped under rubble. The full scale of casualties was not immediately clear.

Authorities declared a state of emergency as officials assessed damage to buildings, roads, transit and airport operations. Hospitals were preparing for more injured people, and emergency services remained on alert for aftershocks.

A tsunami warning issued after the quakes was later withdrawn, according to reports citing U.S. monitoring agencies. Officials urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings while crews continued damage checks.

This is a breaking news story. Information will be updated as it becomes available