A series of moderate earthquakes struck the Caracas airport region early this morning, sending passengers and staff fleeing onto the tarmac. The tremors, which peaked at magnitude 5.2, were shallow in depth, causing panic but limited structural damage.
British seismic experts from the British Geological Survey have provided preliminary analysis, noting that the sequence likely originated from the Boconó fault system, a major strike-slip fault traversing Venezuela. The events serve as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability of critical infrastructure in tectonically active zones. Our colleagues on the ground captured the moment the ground began to shake, with terminal ceilings swaying and emergency alarms blaring.
The airport has since been closed for safety inspections; air traffic has been diverted to alternate hubs. The data from these tremors will assist in refining hazard models, but the question remains: are other regional airports adequately prepared for the next sudden release of strain in the Earth's crust?
