A man has been miraculously rescued alive from the rubble eight days after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela. Trapped 29 feet deep within the collapsed parking lot of a nine-story shopping mall in the coastal city of La Guaira, the man was brought to safety on Thursday following days of continuous effort by local and international rescue teams. Reuters reported the story.
A Miraculous Rescue Operation: The rescued man is Hernán Alberto Gil Flores (43), who worked as a security guard at the shopping mall. The Costa Rican Red Cross first detected signs of life beneath the debris last Sunday. Subsequently, the Chilean Fire Department confirmed Hernán was alive using radar, sonar, and sound-detection equipment. A complex and hazardous operation lasting over 70 hours was carried out to rescue him. Rescuers reached Hernán by creating a tunnel through the concrete rubble, though the operation faced setbacks as the tunnel collapsed several times. International expert teams from about half a dozen countries—including Chile, Costa Rica, and El Salvador—participated in the rescue effort. Typically, the first three days following an earthquake are considered the “golden window” for finding survivors, after which the chances of survival drop rapidly due to a lack of food and water. Yet, even after eight days, Hernán was found to be miraculously conscious and in good health.
During the rescue operation, he was provided with water, liquid food, and electrolyte drinks via a hose and a syringe. Following the rescue, Venezuelan Red Cross paramedic Luis Rodriguez stated that Hernán’s blood pressure and vital signs were normal and stable as he was being transported by ambulance. He has currently been admitted to a medical facility. Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked the rescuers, describing the successful operation as a magnificent celebration of life. Damage and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela: La Guaira is one of the areas hardest hit by the twin earthquakes. According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, at least 2,295 deaths have been confirmed so far—an increase of approximately 350 from the previous day—though the actual casualty toll is believed to be much higher.
A forensic expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that around 400 bodies are arriving daily at a makeshift morgue in La Guaira. Despite Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the country is currently facing an acute shortage of fuel and essential equipment; consequently, in many locations, ordinary citizens are attempting to locate their loved ones by clearing the rubble of collapsed high-rise buildings using only spades, shovels, and their bare hands. Despite the severe crisis, the government has announced that search and rescue operations will continue.
