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Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed at least 188 people and trapped more than 200.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damages in several states, but she did not give any figures of homes and buildings damaged, injures or fatalities.

National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez announced the releases Tuesday in Caracas. He didn't specify if they're political prisoners, but human rights defenders say some are. Rodríguez emphasized the gesture without asking for anything in return. This announcement comes amid scrutiny over the in-custody death of Víctor Hugo Quero, considered a political prisoner, and his mother's recent passing.

His comments at a news conference on Monday follow the U.S. boosting its maritime force in the Caribbean to combat drug cartels.