Watch: Moment powerful earthquake hits Venezuela's Caracas airport; dust clouds rise, passengers run for shelter

Venezuela's main international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía near Caracas, was forced to shut down after twin powerful earthquakes caused significant damage to its infrastructure on Thursday.Acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation following two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck the country within minutes of each other."We urge our population to remain calm," Rodriguez said. "We urge unity."Circulating videos show panic at airportThe earthquakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, triggered panic across Caracas and surrounding regions.Videos circulating online show thick dust clouds filling the airport terminal as damaged walls crumbled, with passengers rushing for exits, ducking for cover and shielding their heads amid the chaos.Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, while addressing earlier today, highlighted that the Maiquetía airport is closed due to the structural damage caused by the earthquake.Rescue and assessment underwayThe mayor of Chacao, informed Al Jazeera, that local authorities are responding to the twin earthquakes.

Gustavo Duque confirmed that 18 people have been rescued, while at least four buildings have collapsed in the municipality.He added that more than 500 search-and-rescue personnel are actively looking for survivors.Catch the latest world news and top headlines.

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