Survivor Pulled Alive After 8 Days Under Venezuelan Quake Rubble

Eight days after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, a man identified as Hernán Gil has been miraculously rescued from beneath the rubble.

Gil was located trapped under 140 tonnes of debris following the collapse of a building complex. For over 100 hours, an international team of rescuers worked tirelessly to free him, facing significant technical challenges and dangerous conditions.

The complex operation involved teams from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States. At one point, access tunnels built by rescuers to reach Gil repeatedly collapsed, underscoring the perilous nature of the rescue.

After establishing visual contact using a small camera, rescuers were able to communicate with Gil, who was wearing a protective face mask and appeared to have one bloodshot eye. They provided him with water and an intravenous drip, ensuring his stability while continuing the delicate excavation.

Rescuers described Gil as being in good spirits, even asking for specific flavored drinks and encouraging his rescuers. He reportedly escaped serious injury because he was inside a small concrete booth in the basement of a parking lot adjacent to the Galerias Playa Grande mall, which likely created a protective shell.

Nearly 2,300 people have been confirmed dead from the earthquakes that struck on June 24, with tens of thousands still missing. Gil’s survival offers a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread tragedy.

Source: Nile Post