Magnitude 7.5 Quake Closes Caracas Airport After Worst Tremor in 125 Years

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's primary aviation gateway is closed following the strongest earthquake the country has experienced in more than 125 years. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on state television that Simón Bolívar International Airport sustained significant structural damage during a rapid seismic sequence on June 24, prompting an indefinite closure.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the sequence began with a magnitude 7.2 quake near San Felipe, followed just 39 seconds later by a more powerful magnitude 7.5 event near Yumare. NBC News reported at least 188 deaths and more than 971 injuries across the region. Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, suspending schools and non-essential activities to prioritize rescue operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the U.S. is deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, while China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico have pledged additional support.

Beyond the airport closure, officials report severe damage to power and telecommunications infrastructure, with internet connectivity dropping sharply across affected areas. The disruptions are expected to complicate passenger communications and the coordination of recovery efforts as engineers assess the full extent of runway and terminal damage at the airport, which serves as Venezuela's main international hub.