Venezuela Earthquake: Man Rescued 8 Days After Quake

The update

A security guard has been rescued eight days after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela. The 43-year-old victim was located in a collapsed seven-storey building in the hard-hit coastal area of Catia La Mar. Rescue teams from seven countries worked to extract him after digging a three-metre tunnel. His wife described the rescue as “truly a miracle.” This rare success comes as attention shifts from finding survivors to addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced residents.

Why it matters

This rescue offers a fleeting moment of hope amid a devastating disaster. At least 2,295 people are confirmed dead, with approximately 13,000 left homeless. An estimated 60,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the earthquakes, which measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The event highlights the immense challenges of disaster response in the region as authorities and international organizations work to manage the crisis.

What to watch

Rescuers continue to search for survivors and identify bodies across affected areas. The death toll is expected to rise, with about 50,000 people reported missing. Many collapsed buildings have already been marked with the letter D for “deceased,” signaling no signs of life could be detected. The focus remains on managing the humanitarian crisis as the situation remains fluid.

Sources

• Al Jazeera — Rescue details, death toll, and humanitarian context
• The New York Times — Survivor details and rescue context