In brief
Troops and volunteers from across Latin America and beyond worked tirelessly to free Hernán Gil, who was trapped under 140 tonnes of debris for eight days after the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela on June 24. His breathing emergence after more than 100 hours of effort has brought relief to families awaiting news. The disaster has already claimed over 2,300 lives, with tens of thousands missing, underscoring the massive scale of the humanitarian crisis. International cooperation—spanning Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States—played a key role in the rescue efforts, demonstrating global solidarity in times of crisis. The event highlights both the resilience of Venezuela’s citizens and the necessity for coordinated disaster response.
In late June, twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, collapsing buildings and leaving many trapped beneath the debris.
Hernán Gil, a Venezuelan resident, was one such victim, buried under 140 tonnes of concrete for eight days before rescuers finally located him.
Emergency crews, beginning their search on Saturday, worked for over 100 hours to lift the heavy rubble, eventually freeing Gil alive and breathing.
The operation received vital support from international teams, including specialists from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States, who assisted with heavy lifting equipment and search‑and‑rescue techniques.
The earthquake event has claimed more than 2,300 lives, and thousands remain missing, deepening the urgency for continued search operations across the country.
The successful rescue offers hope to families across Venezuela and highlights the importance of global cooperation in responding to natural disasters.
