Rescued after eight days: Hernán Gil survives Venezuela earthquakes

Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, was rescued alive on July 2 after spending eight days trapped under rubble in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, following the devastating double earthquakes of June 24. His survival was attributed to the security booth that shielded him from 140 tons of debris.

The Rescue Operation

International teams, including rescuers from Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, and El Salvador, coordinated the effort. The operation began formally on Monday, with about 100 rescuers maintaining constant communication with Gil, hydrating him and providing medication Source: ABC España. The first contact was made the previous Sunday, and a new access route had to be dug due to structural instability Source: El Día.

Aftermath and Casualties

Gil's wife, Gusbimar González, waited at the site since the day after the earthquakes Source: Diario Libre. Venezuelan authorities report that at least 2,295 people have died, 11,267 are injured, and 6,461 have been rescued overall. The UN coordinates between 2,500 and 3,000 foreign rescuers on the ground.