Venezuela declares emergency after deadly quakes kill 32, close Caracas airport
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency Wednesday, June 24 after twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck the country, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 700. Rodriguez stated the quakes collapsed entire buildings and caused serious damage to Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas, forcing its closure.
The disaster comes amid political turmoil following Rodriguez's assumption of interim leadership on January 3 after reports that the US seized President Nicolas Maduro. With more than 20 aftershocks continuing, the crisis affects approximately 800+ victims and disrupts Nigeria-Venezuela travel and diplomatic channels.
Maiquetia Airport remains closed as engineers assess structural damage. Rodriguez urged citizens to evacuate damaged areas and avoid non-essential travel. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry advises citizens in Venezuela to register with the Embassy in Caracas and monitor local alerts. Those with travel plans should check airline updates and consider postponing non-essential trips until airport operations resume.