Two powerful earthquakes struck west of Caracas on Thursday, killing 32 people [1] and forcing the closure of Maiquetía International Airport [1].
The disaster disrupts the primary international gateway to Venezuela, creating a critical bottleneck for emergency aid and travel while the government assesses structural damage to national infrastructure.
The seismic events consisted of two separate shocks with magnitudes of 7.2 [1] and 7.5 [1]. The intensity of the tremors caused significant destruction within the airport terminal, including the collapse of sections of the roof [1].
Former Venezuelan regional deputy Wilmer Azuaje documented the moments of the shaking inside the terminal [1]. Video footage showed passengers fleeing the building as debris fell and the facility suffered extensive damage [1].
Medical reports indicate that more than 700 people were injured in the disaster [1]. The combined impact of the two quakes led to the immediate closure of the airport to all flight traffic [1].
Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the facility will reopen. Efforts are currently focused on search and rescue operations within the ruins of the airport, and surrounding areas west of the capital [1].
“Two powerful earthquakes struck west of Caracas on Thursday”
The closure of Maiquetía International Airport represents a severe blow to Venezuela's connectivity. Because this is the country's main hub for international arrivals and departures, the structural failure of the roof suggests a significant breach in seismic safety standards for critical infrastructure, likely delaying the arrival of international relief teams.
