Rescue efforts in northern Venezuela continue tirelessly following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country a week ago. Although the passage of time reduces the chances of finding survivors, emergency teams continue to carry out rescues considered “miraculous,” while the death toll continues to rise.
Rescues that restore hope
One of the cases that has most moved the country is that of Hernán Gil , a security guard who was found alive after remaining trapped for approximately eight days under the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira.
The operation mobilized more than a hundred rescuers from several countries, who managed to maintain contact with the victim for several days and supply him with water and food through a small tube until they were able to free him. His rescue has been considered one of the most complex and emotional of the entire emergency.
Days earlier, another event that thrilled millions was the rescue of a three-year-old boy, who remained under the rubble for six days before being located by search teams.
Victim count
Venezuelan authorities reported that the death toll has risen to over 2,295 , while the number of injured has surpassed 11,000 . In addition, dozens of people remain missing, and rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings for possible survivors.
According to the official tally, thousands of people have been rescued or managed to leave on their own during the first few days after the disaster, although the current priority continues to be locating those who remain trapped.
International teams support the efforts
The operations involve specialists from several countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, the United States, Mexico, Portugal, and El Salvador, who work alongside Venezuelan agencies using search dogs, detection equipment, and specialized machinery.
A race against time
Urban rescue experts explain that with each passing hour, the chances of finding survivors decrease. However, cases like Hernán Gil’s demonstrate that extraordinary survivals can still occur when air pockets exist and structural conditions allow it.
The emergency continues
While rescue efforts continue, thousands of families remain displaced and require humanitarian assistance. Authorities are urging the public to cooperate with emergency operations and respect cordoned-off areas, where specialized teams continue working around the clock.
The situation continues to evolve and official figures for rescued, missing and deceased individuals are expected to continue to be updated as search operations conclude.
