A powerful double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 has shaken Venezuela, causing building collapses, structural damage and the declaration of a state of emergency in several regions of the country.
The two earthquakes occurred just 39 seconds apart and were followed by around twenty aftershocks, which has worsened the situation in the affected areas. At the moment, there are 32 confirmed deaths, although the United States Geological Survey (USGS) considers that the fatalities may rise to 100,000 people.
The epicenter was located in the municipality of Montalbán, in the northwest of the country, approximately 300 kilometers from Caracas. Although it was far from the capital, the effects have been strongly felt in many regions, including Caracas itself, where some of the most serious damage has been recorded.
One of the most striking images has been captured at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, one of the main air gateways to Venezuela. Dozens of passengers experienced moments of anguish when the facilities began to shake violently and part of the infrastructure was damaged while hundreds of people tried to get to safety.
Chaos at the airport
Among the recordings that have gone viral, one captured from inside the terminal stands out, where passengers can be seen running while part of the roof falls off and debris falls on some areas of the building. The images reflect the tension of a few seconds that many of those present describe as the most distressing of their lives.
Images spread on social networks show how the earthquake surprised travelers who were in the departure and arrival terminals. In a matter of seconds, the information panels began to sway, the lights flickered and some areas were left in darkness after power outages were recorded. The noise caused by the movement of the structure generated scenes of confusion and races towards the open areas of the airport.
Videos recorded by witnesses show dozens of people leaving the waiting areas as they tried to protect themselves from falling fragments of the ceiling. In some areas of the terminal, landslides occurred, forcing passengers and airport workers to quickly evacuate.
According to various testimonies collected by local and international media, the tremor was so intense that many travelers initially thought it was an explosion or a serious structural failure within the building. The situation became even more complicated when the first aftershocks began to be felt.
After a first evaluation, the authorities confirmed significant damage in different areas of the airport, including sectors of the terminal and some connecting walkways.
Images after the earthquake show remains of materials scattered on the ground, partially collapsed roofs and areas cordoned off by emergency teams. The airport, located in the state of La Guaira, is among the infrastructure most affected by the double earthquake that hit Venezuela.
More videos that summarize the horror experienced
While inspections and damage assessment work continue, authorities maintain restricted operations in Maiquetía. Emergency teams have been working early in the morning among the rubble of the most affected areas while they continue to assess the damage and search for possible victims.
