Panic ensued as ceilings collapsed on travelers, screams echoed, and darkness enveloped those present at Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport during the earthquakes measuring 7.1 and 7.5 magnitudes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. The disaster has so far resulted in 164 fatalities and over 900 injuries, according to Delcy Rodríguez's recent report in a phone call with Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), the state television channel.
A video circulating on social media captured the pandemonium inside the airport: passengers sprinting in various directions down corridors as fragments of the ceiling rained down. Gitanjali Suárez, a journalist from Unión Radio who was in the security area preparing for a flight, vividly recounted, "Ceilings were collapsing on people."
Beyond the damaged ceilings, the twin earthquakes wreaked havoc on the Conviasa airline counters, led to the collapse of pedestrian bridges in the parking area, and inflicted damage on the highway leading to Caracas. Passengers reported experiencing at least five aftershocks following the initial tremor.
Severe Infrastructure Damage and Immediate Response
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the indefinite closure of the airport terminal due to significant structural damage: "Maiquetía Airport is closed for severe damage to its infrastructure." She also halted operations of Caracas Metro and the Valles del Tuy Railway for structural inspections.
In Caracas, the eastern parts of the capital bore the brunt of the damage. At least two buildings collapsed: the 14-story Petunia residential building in Los Palos Grandes and a Bancaribe building in Altamira. More than 90 structures in the Miranda state were affected.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello described "alarming situations" in these areas and ordered the preventative suspension of natural gas supply in the capital's buildings to avert any potential gas-related accidents due to structural damage.
Personal Accounts of Horror
Scenes of terror unfolded throughout the city. Heidi Romero, a 42-year-old merchant at the Sambil in Chacao, recounted, "I don't even know how long it lasted. I was on the top floor. We exited via emergency stairs, that's how they got us out." Odalis Escalona, a 54-year-old bank employee, described, "The stairs detached, the entire wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrific." María Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner, told Reuters, "The building shook. The police helped me down because I couldn't."
Rodríguez declared a constitutional state of emergency nationwide, suspended school classes, and announced the creation of a $200 million fund to address the crisis. La Guaira was labeled a "disaster zone," and officials cautioned that the casualty figures are "preliminary" and could rise as access to the area remains limited.
International Aid and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The United States Geological Survey estimates a death toll ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 with a 42% probability according to its PAGER automatic alert system, which issued a maximum red alert level. This estimate is probabilistic and not an actual count, yet it underscores the disaster's magnitude on an infrastructure already weakened by years of economic turmoil.
The United States has announced the immediate dispatch of rescue teams and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. Rescue operations continue as authorities warn that the numbers of deceased and injured could change as access to still-isolated areas improves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela?
The earthquakes that struck Venezuela had magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5.
How many casualties have been reported so far?
As of the latest reports, there have been 164 deaths and over 900 injuries.
What measures has the Venezuelan government taken in response to the earthquakes?
The government declared a state of emergency, suspended school classes, closed Maiquetía Airport indefinitely, and announced a $200 million fund for crisis management.
What is the United States doing to assist Venezuela?
The United States has sent rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist in the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.