Earthquakes in Venezuela kills at least 164, injures nearly 1,000 and causes damage to the country

CARACUS, Venezuela (NBC, KYMA) - Back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela Wednesday night, killing at least 164, injuring nearly 1,000 people, and causing extensive damage across the South American country.

With frantic rescue efforts underway, pledges of aid poured in from around the world.

First responders with little to no technology to face the tragedy are trying to hear the sound of life under the collapsed buildings.

People are anxious and sad, and many are crying while watching the scene.

Now, the extent of the tragedy goes beyond Caracas as La Guaira has been heavily affected.

There is no vehicle access to the coast side of La Guaira, and reports on the ground show total devastation.

NBC News reporter Ana Vanessa Herrero, who is reporting from Caracus, says she's is in a WhatsApp group special for those who are looking for their missing families, and she says thousands of messages are coming in every hour. She also says at least 500 people are in the chat alone.

People in Venezuela are hoping international aid can help accelerate the very painful process.