Live footage from Caracas’ Simón Bolívar International Airport has captured scenes of disarray following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Venezuela’s capital region earlier this morning. Sirens blare as injured passengers are triaged on the tarmac, while sections of the terminal ceiling have collapsed, exposing steel girders.
Amid the wreckage, a Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane touched down at 14:30 local time carrying four specialist search-and-rescue dogs and a 21-member team from the UK’s International Search and Rescue (UKISAR). The dogs, trained in avalanche and collapse response, are being deployed to neighbourhoods where dozens remain trapped under debris. Venezuela’s interior ministry has confirmed at least 83 fatalities and over 400 injured, though figures are expected to rise as rescue crews reach outlying areas.
The airport remains open for humanitarian flights only, with commercial operations suspended indefinitely.
