Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Simon Bolivar International Airport, damaged by twin earthquakes last month, will reopen to commercial flights as soon as possible. The airport, located in La Guaira north of Caracas, will utilize an alternative runway to resume operations.
Earthquake Aftermath
The June 24 earthquakes, measuring 7.3 and 7.5 magnitude, caused widespread devastation. The epicenter was in La Guaira, where the airport is situated. The quakes toppled numerous residential buildings, resulting in nearly 3,700 deaths and leaving thousands homeless. The death toll has since been updated to 3,685, with nearly 17,000 injured.
Humanitarian and Military Assistance
US airmen and military experts have been assisting in reopening the airport and repairing the quake-hit port in La Guaira to facilitate the delivery of supplies and equipment. Around 2,000 US troops have been deployed in Venezuela for disaster relief efforts. US helicopters and planes frequently land at the airport to support these operations.
Government Response and Criticism
Rodriguez defended the government's response to the disaster, despite criticism from Venezuelans who felt they were left to dig through the rubble before international rescue teams arrived. Thousands are now homeless, sleeping in tents or temporary camps.
Economic Impact and Aid
The United Nations estimates the earthquakes caused $6.7 billion in damage, equivalent to six percent of Venezuela's GDP. The UN refugee agency requires $14.85 million to provide relief and temporary shelter for 30,000 affected people over six months.
Future Operations
US embassy Charge d'Affaires John Barrett stated that US officials are in talks with American commercial airlines to resume flights. General Francis Donovan of US Southern Command confirmed that US military personnel are assisting with air traffic control and ground cargo operations at the airport.
