Venezuela earthquake rescue: Man pulled alive after eight days under collapsed mall
PTC Web Desk: In an extraordinary story of survival, a 43-year-old security guard was rescued alive after spending eight days trapped beneath the remains of a collapsed shopping centre following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela. Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was brought out alive on Thursday.
Rescue teams spent over 100 hours carefully cutting through unstable debris to reach him. This rescue operation has come out to be one of the few uplifting moments in a disaster that has claimed thousands of lives.
The rescue operation was particularly challenging. The rescuers had to work through dangerous aftershocks, heavy rainfall and the constant risk of further structural collapse. Gil Flores was covered in dust. He was immediately provided oxygen and was rushed to hospital.
Rescue workers from several countries celebrated the successful operation. Visibly relieved as well as emotional, members of the Chilean and Costa Rican rescue teams hugged each other after completing the mission.
Costa Rican Red Cross rescuer Minyar Collado stated that when rescuers first made contact with Gil Flores, he requested that they not inform his wife that he had been found alive until they were certain they could save him. Collado said the team remained determined to bring him out safely.
The rescue continued well beyond the period normally considered critical for locating earthquake survivors. Teams were able to keep Gil Flores alive by delivering water and liquid nutrition through a narrow opening while gradually removing layers of concrete around him.
According to rescuers, Gil Flores had been working the night shift as a security guard when the first earthquake struck. He had taken shelter inside a small security cabin that remarkably remained intact even after the surrounding structure collapsed, creating a small air pocket that ultimately saved his life.
Specialists first detected signs of life over the weekend and established communication with him on Sunday using specialised equipment. Throughout the operation, a telescopic camera allowed rescuers to monitor his condition while maintaining regular contact.
His wife, Gusbimar Gonzalez, said she had almost lost hope before learning that rescue workers had reached him. She described the news as "a ray of light in the darkness." The couple have two young children.
The rescue mission involved coordinated efforts by specialised urban search and rescue teams from Chile, the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Venezuela. Veteran Chilean firefighter Mara Paz Campos remained in constant communication with Gil Flores, helping him stay calm during the final stages of the operation.
Shortly before he was rescued, firefighters released a video showing Gil Flores waiting patiently underground while Campos instructed him to wear protective goggles to shield his eyes from falling debris.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez praised both domestic and international rescue teams, saying the operation reflected the power of global cooperation in saving lives.
The dramatic rescue comes after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction. La Guaira state suffered some of the worst damage, with thousands of buildings either destroyed or severely damaged.
As of Thursday, authorities reported that the disaster had claimed at least 2,595 lives, while tens of thousands of people were still unaccounted for. The rescue of Gil Flores stands as one of the most remarkable survival stories to emerge from the devastating earthquakes.
- With inputs from agencies
