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Venezuela earthquakes: 44-year-old trapped in mall ruins rescued alive after nearly 8 days — 'Endured like a warrior’
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Venezuela earthquakes: Rescue crews pulled a 44-year-old man alive from the wreckage of the shopping mall where he worked in La Guaira state, more than a week after two powerful earthquakes struck the country's northern coastline.The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck less than a minute apart nearly eight days earlier, devastating Venezuela's northern coast. According to the latest official figures, the disaster has claimed 2,295 lives.The survivor, identified as security guard Hernan Alberto Gil, had been trapped beneath the collapsed nine-story Galerias Playa Grande mall. Rescue efforts to reach him began on Monday, according to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who shared regular updates on X about the multinational operation involving teams from Chile, the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica and Venezuela.Throughout the rescue, responders kept Gil hydrated through a tube while carefully excavating the unstable debris. Because of the dangerous conditions inside the collapsed structure, crews were forced to dig two separate access tunnels before they could safely reach and free him.After spending more than a week trapped beneath the collapsed shopping mall, Hernan Alberto Gil was pulled from the debris on a stretcher Thursday morning and rushed to a waiting ambulance as rescue workers and journalists applauded the successful operation.According to Reuters, Gusbimar Gonzalez, Gil's wife stated, "I'm grateful to God for keeping him alive for so many days. He endured it all like a warrior."The number of people still listed as missing on a widely followed unofficial online registry fell to about 38,600 by Thursday, down from a peak of nearly 60,000 in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes.Relief effortsThe humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. A United Nations envoy said 10,000 body bags were being procured for Venezuela, while the US Geological Survey warned the final death toll could exceed 10,000. Risk assessment firm Verisk also projected that the earthquakes could cause more than $10 billion in economic losses.International relief efforts have intensified, with Venezuela receiving around 2,000 metric tons of humanitarian assistance from foreign governments by Thursday, according to the country's foreign ministry.Since 1999, Venezuela's socialist government has emphasised a policy of "civilian-military-police unity," with senior security officials overseeing significant political and economic influence. State television has frequently shown interim President Delcy Rodríguez holding meetings with military and security leaders, while soldiers and police have been deployed across La Guaira to patrol key routes and help manage traffic.Despite the visible security presence, much of the emergency response has been carried out by civilians, including large numbers of volunteers who have played a central role in rescue and relief operations.In the aftermath of the earthquakes, grieving families have spent days searching for relatives buried beneath the rubble, using their bare hands as well as shovels and pickaxes. They have been joined by firefighters, civil protection personnel, international rescue teams, medical students, nurses, volunteers from professions such as teaching and veterinary medicine, and, in some cases, members of the military.Several soldiers assisting at the site of six collapsed residential towers in a major public housing complex in La Guaira told Reuters they had volunteered to take part in the rescue mission, working alongside civilian responders.Rescue workers have repeatedly voiced concerns over the shortage of heavy equipment needed to remove massive concrete slabs, saying the lack of machinery has slowed search and recovery efforts.Oil minister reactsOil minister Paula Henao announced on Thursday that a shipment of diesel fuel had been transported from the Paraguaná Refining Complex to La Guaira to support rescue operations. The delivery reinforced earlier go
As rescue teams continued searching for survivors on Sunday following the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, high-resolution satellite imagery from Vantor revealed the extensive structural devastation caused by the disaster.The death toll from Wednesday's twin earthquakes had climbed to nearly 1,500 as international rescue teams arrived in La Guaira, the state hardest hit by the disaster. The region, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Caracas, has been devastated by the earthquakes, compounding the challenges faced by a country already struggling with a prolonged political and economic crisis.Significant destruction is visible throughout La Guaira, located north of Caracas, where dozens of high-rise residential buildings in the Playa Grande neighbourhood, just north of Simon Bolivar Airport, have collapsed.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe destruction in La Guaira, Venezuela, was caused by two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 that struck the region.The first 72 hours are critical for rescue teams because the probability of finding survivors decreases significantly after this timeframe, making early rescue efforts vital.At least 774 buildings were reported to have collapsed following the twin earthquakes in Venezuela.The earthquakes resulted in nearly 1,500 deaths, over 3,100 injuries, and left 12,721 residents displaced in La Guaira.Yes, international aid has already begun, with 24 nations sending supplies and search-and-rescue personnel to assist the affected areas.Before-and-after satellite images also highlight severe damage to numerous commercial properties, industrial facilities, and other buildings across the city. A comparison of images captured 10 days apart shows Playa Grande blanketed in dust in the aftermath of the disaster.Although some buildings remained standing, many others were completely destroyed. One white building at a street corner appears to have collapsed entirely, resembling a house of cards, while at least five neighboring structures have been reduced to rubble.Before-and-after satellite images of the collapsed Residencia Nautilus and a damaged shipping container yard along Avenida La Playa in La Guaira illustrate the scale of the destruction. The image captured on May 8 shows rows of shipping containers neatly stacked near the waterfront. By June 25, nearly two months later, several nearby buildings had collapsed, leaving the area severely damaged, according to NDTV.The industrial district of La Guaira also suffered extensive losses, with warehouse buildings reduced to rubble. Little remained except piles of debris and exposed steel reinforcement bars that once formed part of the structures.An apartment complex in La Guaira also sustained extensive damage during the earthquakes. Satellite imagery captured on May 8 shows rows of closely built homes with black roofs standing intact. In the post-earthquake image, however, nearly half of the buildings had either collapsed completely or were left dangerously leaning due to the impact of the tremors.Rescue efforts, school closure and moreInterim President Delcy Rodriguez, after announcing a presidential commission that would assess the habitability of buildings, stated, “Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing. Today (Sunday) we have recovered people alive and, therefore, operations are not being suspended. We always maintain hope.”Surrounded by several cabinet ministers, President Rodriguez announced that schools would remain closed for an additional week, while electricity service in La Guaira had been restored to approximately 75% of the affected area, as per Reuters.The government, led by Rodriguez since she assumed office after her predecessor was removed during a US operation in January, initially expressed gratitude to civilian volunteers delivering humanitarian aid to La Guaira. However, authorities later restricted access to the main highway, explaining that heavy traffic was hinder
The devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela claimed over 1,400 lives, including the family of footballer Lucas Trejo. His wife and two children died after their apartment building collapsed. Venezuela's twin earthquakes resulted in over 1,400 fatalities, including Argentine defender Lucas Trejo's family.(Instagram)The devastating twin Venezuela earthquakes not only claimed the lives of over 1,400 people but also wiped-out entire family of Argentine defender Lucas Trejo. In the strong high magnitude quake, the footballer, his wife Yanina Maranella and their two children, Aaron and Ainhoa, died. On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck the country's Yaracuy region.Lucas Trejo's family was reported missing after their apartment building collapsed during the strong tremors. Later rescue teams confirmed the heartbreaking news of their passing as they recovered lifeless bodies of Trejo's family after intense 74-hour search operation following the building collapse in Playa Grande, La Guaira. The 38-year-old defender, who plays for Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira, was away in Caracas with his club, Maritimo, to prepare for an upcoming match.Expressing grief over the loss, the club in an official statement said, “From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe recent earthquakes were caused by seismic activity along a linear fault line, which can trigger multiple quakes in quick succession, similar to historical seismic events.The Venezuelan community responded with significant aid efforts, including firefighters, volunteers, and family members working together to search for survivors amidst the rubble.The first 72 hours are crucial for finding survivors trapped under debris as the chances of survival decrease significantly after this period due to lack of food, water, and medical assistance.The earthquakes resulted in at least 1,500 deaths and left over 50,000 people missing, affecting approximately 6.76 million individuals requiring emergency assistance.More than 190 aftershocks have been recorded since the twin earthquakes, with some being felt while most were imperceptible to the public.The moment Lucas Trejo learned about the natural disaster and the apartment building where his family was staying had collapsed, he left the Copa Venezuela match and rushed to his hometown. He even took to social media to appeal for information about his family and expressed hope that they had escaped the collapse."Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don't know anything about my family. Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren't there," the defender wrote in an Instagram post before the tragic discovery of his family in the aftermath.Firefighters, volunteers, friends, family members, professional rescue teams and local residents, including Venezuelan footballer Edson Tortolero, helped in his desperate search before the tragic outcome was confirmed.As per latest figure, the latest death toll from double earthquakes stands at 1,430, while 50,000 people are still believed to be missing according to the United Nations. Around seven million people may have been impacted by the deadly earthquakes. According to the UN migration, the available data on population and damage suggests that "up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24th June". UN aid chief Tom Fletcher on Friday that the death toll could continue to soar.Several foreign nationals have also been confirmed among the dead, including 28 Portuguese, 7 Chinese nationals, 9 Spaniards, 2 Brazilians, 1 Chilean, 1 Italian-Venezuelan and 1 Uruguayan. As many as 24 countries have sent 521 tonnes of supplies, 86 units with d
As Venezuela continues to grapple with the destruction two earthquakes have left behind in the past couple of days, another earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hit the South American country in the early hours of Sunday.The twin earthquakes that occurred in quick succession have resulted in the death of around 1,500 individuals.US Department of State's Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "By bringing international disaster response programs under the State Department, the US government is able to respond more rapidly and more effectively to disasters. After the earthquakes in Venezuela, the U.S. immediately mobilized, activating urban search and rescue teams and the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies."Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe recent earthquakes in Venezuela resulted in a death toll nearing 1,500 and over 51,000 people reported missing, along with significant physical damage estimated at $6.7 billion.Residents are frustrated due to perceived disorganization and a slow response from government officials, leaving many to rely on volunteers and neighbors for search and rescue efforts.International rescue efforts are being coordinated with teams from at least 17 countries mobilizing to assist Venezuelan authorities, including specialized urban search-and-rescue teams provided by the United States.Authorities have restricted access to heavily affected areas like La Guaira, requiring special permits for entry, while deploying over 14,000 military and police personnel to assist in rescue operations.Yes, families are encouraged to seek assistance from international organizations as agencies estimate that up to 6.76 million people could require emergency help, including shelters and essential supplies.Residents complaint of lack of organisationVenezuelans have been complaining of a lack of organisation in the government's recovery efforts, as mobile and internet outages in several parts of the country made the situation worse.Facing public outrage at the response by local officials, Venezuela's US-backed interim leader Delcy Rodriguez thanked other countries for the outpouring of aid."It's just very chaotic, hot and unorganized," AFP quoted Australian firefighter Craig Demeillon, 43, as saying. He travelled alone to La Guaira from Miami to help. "Hopefully there's more people to find."A Salvadoran rescue worker told the news agency, "At this point, they are probably dead bodies. Thanks to God maybe we can find people still alive."A number of smaller quakes and aftershocks were also reported after the twin quakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, respectively.Around 1,430 people have died so far while 51,000 remain missing, as per a report by Al Jazeera.As per authorities, recovering survivors from the heaps of rubble will become increasingly difficult if not done so within the first 72 hours after an earthquake strikes.As per UNDP, the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June caused significant human suffering and loss of life, while also severely affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services, ANI reported. This includes a preliminary estimate of $6.7 billion in direct physical damage, equivalent to around 6% of GDP, according to a satellite-based Rapid Digital Assessment (RAPIDA) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While the economic impact is substantial, the greatest loss is borne by the people and communities.Newborn rescuedThere was joy in the hardest-hit coastal area of La Guaira, north of Caracas, when locals pulled an infant alive out of the wreckage on Friday, some 32 hours after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors.In one social media video, a man welled up in tears as he held the baby in his arms.The UN migration agency said it had examined available population and damage data and had determined that "up to 6.76 million people could be affected," and would "require emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, healthcare, protection support and essential relief i
Monsoon tracker: Several states are on IMD's orange alert today. The weather agency issued yellow alert for Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bhopal as monsoon advances into more states.Monsoon tracker: Bhopal witnessed heavy rains on Wednesday, 25 June.(Sanjeev Gupta | ANI)The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest weather bulletin provided an update on the progress of monsoon, suggesting that conditions are favourable for further advancement of southwest monsoon into some more parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar in the coming days. Several states are on IMD's orange alert today, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and parts of West Bengal."The Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some parts of Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh, remaining parts of Maharashtra, and some more parts of Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand, today the 24th June, 2026," IMD said.View full ImageMonsoon tracker: Several states are on IMD's orange alert today.Weather forecast for East IndiaPredicting heavy to very heavy rainfall along the west coast, over northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the week, IMD forecasted wet spells till 28 June and again on 30 June. Among other eastern states, Jharkhand will most likely witness downpour till 27 June and again from 29 to 30 June; Odisha till 29 June.Weather forecast for Central IndiaMoving to weather forecast for central India, residents of Maharashtra's Vidarbha region can brace for heavy rains today and again from 27 to 28 June. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh will witness similar weather conditions over the next 4 days.Weather forecast for Northwest IndiaWeather forecast for Northwest India stated, “Isolated thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds (speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph) likely over Punjab during 25th-26th June and during 29th-30th June; Haryana Chandigarh & Delhi during 25th-26th June; East Uttar Pradesh and West Uttar Pradesh during 29th-30th June; West Rajasthan on 26th June; East Rajasthan during 25th-30th June, with gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph) likely over West Rajasthan during 27th-28th June.” According to the weather agency dust storms are likely in West Rajasthan today.Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are set to witness “isolated to scattered rainfall” over the next few days.Weather forecast for Northeast IndiaPredicting isolated heavy rainfall in Assam and Meghalaya today, IMD forecasted similar weather conditions for Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura till 27; and for Arunachal Pradesh till 30 June.Weather forecast for West India“Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Konkan & Goa during 25th-26th June and during 28th-30th June; Madhya Maharashtra during 25th-27th June and on 30th June; Marathawada during 25th June," the press release added.Weather forecast for South Peninsular IndiaIMD stated, "Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal during 27th-29th June; Kerala & Mahe during 27th-30th June; Lakshadweep on 28th June; Coastal Karnataka and Telangana during 25th-30th June; North Interior Karnataka during 28th-30th June; South Interior Karnataka during 27th-30th June; Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during 26th-28th June."Cities on IMD's alertHyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur and Bhopal are on IMD's yellow alert today over possibility of thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds. IMD issued orange alert for Raipur, predicting thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places. Mumbai is also on yellow alert today as weather conditions indicate possibility of thunderstorm, lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds. However, IMD lifted yellow alert for Delhi.Stay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and US news. HomeNewsIndiaWeather update: Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bhopal on IMD's alert as monsoon advances into more statesMor
Live UpdatesUS-Iran War LIVE Updates: While the Strait of Hormuz traffic edges towards normal, Trump has berated Republican congressmen in a closed-door meeting for allowing the vote to block his Iran war. Marco Rubio says talks with Iran in Switzerland are scheduled for next week.US President Donald Trump(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)US-Iran War News Live: President Trump berated Republicans for allowing the vote in the US Congress to block his Iran war. Trump govt wants $87.6B from CongressThe White House has asked $87.6B from Congress for Iran war costs, US farmers, and Ebola response. The Office of Management and Budget sent the supplemental spending request on Wednesday. It arrived just hours after Trump riled Republican congressman in a closed-door meeting.US may never solve who was behind attack on Iranian school: TrumpTrump, while talking to reporters during his meeting with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, said that he has not seen anything which would lead him to believe that the attack was caused due to a US missile. I don't know that they're ever going to solve that problem in terms of whose fault was it because there were missiles flying all over the place. And it's horrible what happened," he said.Rubio assures security in Gulf region US' top priorityUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday vowed that the United States will not do anything that would undermine the security of US allies in the Gulf region when it comes to Washington's dealings with Iran.Follow updates here:25 Jun 2026, 06:19:05 AM ISTUS-Iran War LIVE Updates: Five more South Korean ships exit Strait of HormuzFive more South Korea-operated vessels exited the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's Oceans Ministry said on Thursday. One of the ships is bound for South Korea, the ministry said. The ministry did not name the vessels, citing requests from shippers and crew members.25 Jun 2026, 06:12:57 AM ISTUS-Iran War LIVE Updates: Marco Rubio says US-Iran talks to continue in Switzerland next weekTechnical-level talks between the US and Iran will continue next week, as per Marco Rubio. ‘The technical group will be back, I believe on 29th or 30th…’ the US Secretary of State said.25 Jun 2026, 06:12:57 AM ISTUS-Iran War LIVE Updates: Trump says any fees on Strait of Hormuz ‘unacceptable’US President Donald Trump told journalists during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that any form of fees to pass the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable to him.About the AuthorSayak BasuSayak Basu is a digital journalist with more than seven years of experience in covering general news, politics, science, cricket, and football. He brings a sharp editorial eye and a keen attention to detail in the newsroom. Sayak focuses on breaking stories, analysis of political and sporting events, and new scientific research that is pushing the limits of civilisation. He has earlier worked for publications like NewsBytes, Cinemaholic, Zacks Investment Research, and Deccan Herald. Sayak currently serves as an Assistant Editor at Livemint where he runs daily news operations. Sayak has a master's degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Based out of Bengaluru, he has a keen interest in world cinema, literature, sports, and music. HomeNewsWorldUS-Iran War LIVE Updates: Trump berates Senate Republicans over Iran war vote; Rubio says Gulf security top priority
The epicenter of the 7.1 quake was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas at a depth of 13 kilometers.Mint ImageA 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening, the US Geological Survey has said. The quake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter was 16 kilomoters southwest of the city of Morón, Venezuela.The massive tremors were felt minutes after parts of Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas, were hit by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. The epicenter of the 7.1 quake was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas at a depth of 13 kilometers.The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.Videos posted on social media showed emergency workers climbing into the ruins of one collapsed building in the capital as night began to fall."Some buildings have been brought down (in Caracas), houses have collapsed," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television.Many Venezuelans were at home when the quake hit, celebrating a public holiday commemorating an 1821 military victory which secured Venezuela's independence from Spain."There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.
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