Venezuelan guard rescued after eight days under rubble

Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, was rescued on July 2 after spending eight days trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in Catia La Mar, Venezuela. He was the last of 14 people saved by international teams Source: Infobae. The double earthquake on June 24 killed at least 2,595 people, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez Source: Euronews.

Rescue Operation

More than 100 hours of effort involving rescuers from seven countries—including Chile, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Portugal, and Venezuela—were required to free Gil Source: CNN Español. The operation began when a neighbor alerted Costa Rican rescuers; they used a dog named Halley to locate him Source: CNN. Gil was trapped under 140 tons of debris Source: Euronews. Rescuers maintained contact via camera and provided water and oxygen through a tube Source: El Colombiano.

Survival

Gil protected himself by crouching under a table and chair during the collapse Source: Diario Libre. His wife, Gusbimar González, kept a vigil outside the rubble Source: El Nacional. Gil recounted praying and hearing voices on day three Source: Infobae. He suffered minor injuries, including a dislocated clavicle Source: El Día Do. The rescue was described as "un milagro" by teams and family Source: El Caribe. However, hope for more survivors is fading; most international teams are now shifting to body recovery Source: Listín Diario.