Venezuela Earthquake Survivor Pulled Alive from Rubble After Eight Days

Rescue teams in Venezuela have achieved a remarkable breakthrough after pulling a man alive from the rubble of a collapsed building eight days after devastating twin earthquakes struck the country.

Hernán Gil was rescued after spending more than 100 hours trapped beneath an estimated 140 tonnes of concrete and debris following the powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela on 24 June. His survival has offered a rare moment of hope as rescue operations continue amid one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters.

Authorities have confirmed that nearly 2,300 people have died since the earthquakes, while tens of thousands remain missing as emergency crews continue searching through the destruction.

Gil, who worked as a security guard, was on duty inside a small concrete booth located in the basement parking area next to the Galerias Playa Grande shopping complex when the earthquakes struck. Rescue officials believe the reinforced booth created a protective pocket that shielded him from the massive amount of rubble that collapsed around him.

The breakthrough came after Costa Rican Red Cross paramedic Allan Madrigal heard faint cries for help coming from deep beneath the debris. Initially unsure whether he had actually heard someone, Madrigal asked a fellow rescuer to confirm the sound before emergency teams immediately launched an intensive rescue effort.

International rescue specialists from Venezuela, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, El Salvador, Portugal and the United States worked around the clock to reach Gil. The operation proved extremely dangerous, with several access tunnels collapsing during the rescue, forcing crews to repeatedly adjust their strategy while ensuring the survivor remained safe.

Medical teams managed to deliver water to Gil and connected him to an intravenous drip while engineers carefully removed debris around him. They also passed him protective equipment, including a face mask and safety goggles, to shield him from dust created during the operation.

Small cameras inserted through narrow openings eventually allowed rescuers to establish visual contact with Gil. Despite being trapped for days, he remained alert and communicated regularly with emergency workers, helping guide parts of the rescue operation.

Members of the rescue teams described Gil as remarkably positive throughout the ordeal. According to rescuers, he remained cheerful, frequently asking about the progress of the operation and speaking about his family. He even requested his favourite hydration drinks, helping boost morale among the exhausted emergency crews.

When rescuers finally reached him, Gil emerged without any major physical injuries, an outcome many described as extraordinary considering the amount of rubble surrounding him.

Emergency responders called the mission one of the most technically challenging rescues they had ever undertaken. The successful operation has become a symbol of hope for thousands of families still waiting for news of loved ones trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Search and rescue efforts continue across Venezuela as international teams race against time to locate more survivors. Although hopes are fading with each passing day, officials say they remain committed to searching every possible site where signs of life may still exist.