27.06.2026 14:16
Following two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 that occurred 39 seconds apart in Venezuela, the ceiling collapsed at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas, and the terminal was heavily damaged. Footage from the moment of the earthquake shows passengers in a state of great panic, while a state of emergency was declared and the airport was closed indefinitely.
Earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 occurring 39 seconds apart in Venezuela shook the country, while images from Simon Bolivar International Airport near the capital Caracas revealed the horror.
In the footage recorded during the earthquake, the terminal building was seen shaking violently, ceiling sections collapsing with a loud noise, and a dense dust cloud covering the terminal. Passengers and staff inside experienced great panic and tried to quickly move away from the terminal to reach safe areas.
CEILING COLLAPSED, TERMINAL SUFFERED HEAVY DAMAGE
In images taken after the earthquake, ceiling panels were seen completely fallen to the ground, metal supports hanging, debris covering the floor, and severe damage occurring in many parts of the building.
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that a state of emergency had been declared following the earthquakes, and stated that Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed until further notice due to heavy damage to its infrastructure.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN THE COUNTRY
Rodriguez noted that 20 aftershocks had been recorded so far after the earthquakes, and reported that serious destruction had occurred in the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon, in addition to Caracas.
The government suspended schools and halted all non-essential activities. Search and rescue teams continue their work in rubble areas, while inspections of damaged buildings are ongoing.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 7.5 near Yumare and 7.2 near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, with the two tremors happening only 39 seconds apart.