Venezuela earthquake ravages Caracas airport as travelers run for cover: video
Venezuela has been struck by two devastating earthquakes which saw terrified passengers at Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) near Caracas run for cover.
On June 24, 2026, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the first earthquake struck Venezuela at 18:04, local time, at a magnitude of 7.2, followed 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5 mainshock.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency throughout the country and stated that so far 32 people have died during the disaster with hundreds more injured.
The United States Geological Survey has estimated that there is an above 50% chance that more than 10,000 people may have died.
The agency also concluded that the 7.5 earthquake struck southeast of Yumare in Venezuela and warned there is a risk of aftershocks resulting in potentially strong shaking.
Así quedó él Areopuerto de Maiquetia a esta hora vivimos momentos difíciles pic.twitter.com/NXLUX4dB5L— Wilmer Azuaje (@AZUAJE_WILMER) June 24, 2026 President Rodríguez confirmed Simon Bolivar International Airport has been closed due to severe damage to its infrastructure.
Video footage shared on social media following the earthquakes showed airport building shaking under the earthquake force as the ceiling began to collapse, and people pulling suitcases tried to flee.
American Airlines issues travel alert
American Airlines, Avianca, Wingo and LATAM Airlines are just some of the carriers that are due to land or depart the airport on June 25, 2026.
American Airlines told passengers traveling to or from Venezuela and scheduled to travel June 25, 2026, will have their change fee waived.
In a statement LATAM Airlines Colombia said it “expresses its solidarity with the people, families, and communities affected by the strong earthquake recorded”.
“In LATAM Colombia, we understand the uncertainty and concern that an emergency like this can generate for our passengers and their families. For this reason, we have activated flexible alternatives that allow them to reorganize their trips with greater peace of mind during this difficult moment,” Erika Zarante, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, added.
President Rodríguez holds press conference
In an address to the nation, President Rodríguez said that she asks the “population to remain calm and united”.
#NotiMippCI | “Acabamos de culminar una primera reunión de instalación del Estado Mayor para la atención de la tragedia que ha provocado dos terremotos consecutivos de alta magnitud”, comentó Presidenta (E) Delcy RodríguezLea más https://t.co/Duiu3ExRP2 pic.twitter.com/UDxCkIAjQ5— Ministerio de Comunicación e Información (@mippci_ven) June 25, 2026 “We have officially implemented a national state of emergency to streamline rescue resources,” President Rodríguez said.
The Ministry of Communications said that President Rodríguez announced the activation of a “General Staff”, composed of the Sectoral Vice Presidents Diosdado Cabello, Juan José Ramírez, Héctor Rodríguez, and Calixto Ortega.
“We have activated the entire public and private health network of the country, I want to ask the doctors, nurses, and all health personnel as a whole to report to their workplaces,” President Rodríguez added.
World leaders react to earthquake
World leaders have offered their condolences to Venezuela and offered their country’s support during relief efforts.
In a social media post, US President Donald Trump wrote: “The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The USA stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new good friends.”
President Rodríguez said she also held a phone call with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who “expressed his solidarity and support toward the Venezuelan people in these difficult moments for our nation”.
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Venezuela has been struck by two devastating earthquakes which saw terrified passengers at Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS)…
The post Venezuela earthquake ravages Caracas airport as travelers run for cover: video appeared first on AeroTime.
