Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela, leaving a trail of destruction and death in their wake. At least 188 people have been killed, with hundreds more injured, as buildings collapsed and the country's north coast was left in ruins.
UK officials have confirmed that the UK will provide aid to Venezuela, with the US pledging £150m in assistance. The US State Department said that the package will include £50m for aid groups already working in the country, as well as a £100m contribution to a UN humanitarian fund.
The earthquakes, which had a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5, were the most powerful to hit the country since 1900. According to the US Geological Survey, doublet earthquakes, such as the ones that struck Venezuela, are less common than typical earthquakes and tend to indicate a complex fault structure.
The UK's Foreign Secretary has been in contact with Venezuelan officials, offering condolences and support. The UK has also called for a global response to the disaster, with the UN urging countries to provide aid to the affected region.
The UK's aid pledge comes as the country's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) has warned that the level of devastation is overwhelming local authorities.