Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
Over 200 people were killed and more than 4,000 were injured as a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, officials said.
The two quakes -- a 7.2 magnitude one followed just seconds later by a 7.5 -- struck the coast of Venezuela, knocking down buildings in Caracas, the capital, and sending residents racing into the street.
Responders are undertaking "intensive rescue operations" Thursday, searching for people thought to be under the rubble, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said.
The death toll from the pair of powerful earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to at least 235, according to the country's health minister, who spoke on state media.
At least 4,300 people were injured, according to the latest figures provided by the official.
U.S. Southern Command said it is "surging" military forces in the region to assist in earthquake relief efforts.
Two U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Caribbean have been assigned to support the U.S. quake relief operations in Venezuela that are being led by the State Department, the command said.
The amphibious ships USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ships USS Billings are being moved closer to Venezuela to provide assistance.
In addition, transport aircraft and helicopters are being sent.
"These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.
-ABC News' Luis Martinez
U.S. Southern Command is sending U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard to Venezuela to oversee the Pentagon's earthquake relief efforts.
The Pentagon is supporting efforts by the State Department, which is responsible for U.S. government relief efforts.
-ABC News' Luis Martinez
The Urban Search and Rescue teams based out of Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California, have both confirmed they are mobilizing units as part of the State Department's response to the earthquakes.
The Fairfax team said it is sending 80 people and six dogs to Venezuela, while the County of Los Angeles Fire Department said its team will consist of 71 people and six canines.
-ABC News' Shannon Kingston
