Venezuela declares state of emergency after strong earthquakes; Maiquetía Airport closed due to severe damage

Venezuela is under a state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes that shook the central region of the country. The tremors, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude, caused significant material damage, though official figures on casualties remain unconfirmed. President Nicolás Maduro's government, represented by Delcy Rodríguez, announced the emergency measures after the quakes and their subsequent 20 aftershocks.

Maiquetía International Airport, the primary gateway to the capital Caracas, sustained severe damage and has been closed. The government also suspended classes nationwide and disconnected domestic gas services as a precautionary measure. Rodríguez stated that the states of Miranda and La Guaira are particularly affected, with damage also reported in Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.

An emergency committee, the Estado Mayor, has been activated to coordinate the response. It includes key ministers such as Diosdado Cabello (Sectorial Vice President), Juan José Ramírez (Public Works and Services), Héctor Rodríguez (Social Area), and Calixto Ortega (Economy). Major General Sulbarán Quintero of the National Bolivarian Guard was appointed as the sole authority for managing the contingency.