Rescuers press on in La Guaira despite heat and decay

Nearly 100 hours after the earthquakes struck Venezuela, international rescue teams continue to pull survivors from the rubble in La Guaira, the hardest-hit state. A police officer told EFE that one person was rescued around 3:00 p.m. local time on June 28 Source: hoydo. In a separate operation, rescuers from the United States, Switzerland, and El Salvador, alongside Venezuelan firefighters, were attempting to reach a child believed to be alive based on cries and dog alerts Source: infobae.

Rescue challenges

• High temperatures are complicating efforts. Javier Erken of the Peruvian team noted that heat causes rapid dehydration of personnel and accelerates decomposition of bodies, creating an overwhelming odor even with masks Source: hoydo.
• Delicate debris removal requires manual tools and wooden supports to stabilize structures, as explained by Caracas Fire Department Lieutenant Colonel John Boquett Source: infobae.
• The Peruvian team reported rescuing a 60-year-old woman trapped in a six-story building Source: hoydo.

International aid

Brazil has deployed a field hospital staffed by 48 personnel and 80 search-and-rescue members, totaling 128 Brazilian responders, according to mission chief Armin Braun Source: infobae. Looting has been reported in many shops, with signs reading "Already looted" Source: hoydo. Motorcycles are so numerous that officials periodically ask riders to shut off engines to listen for cries Source: infobae.