Rescuers Race to Free Man Trapped 6 Days as Venezuela Quake Toll Tops 1,900

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 1

International teams, including U.S. firefighters, are still trying to reach 44-year-old Hernan Gil Flores, who has been trapped for six days beneath a partially collapsed 10-story building in La Guaira.
Rescuers say the operation is highly unstable because multiple damaged buildings are leaning into the structure, forcing crews to move slowly even after making contact and getting him water.
The collapse followed twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 that struck within a minute on June 24, leaving more than 1,900 confirmed dead and tens of thousands still missing, according to the U.N.
Venezuelan officials say about 6,400 people have been rescued, but NASA estimates nearly 59,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed across the affected region.
La Guaira remains the hardest-hit area, and the U.N. says 1.8 million people need aid as displaced families flee inland or live in tents after losing their homes.

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CBS New York3d ago

Hernan Gil Flores Trapped Six Days Under Collapsed La Guaira Building; International Rescue Efforts Underway

MSN3d ago

Venezuelan quake survivor rescued alive after eight days trapped

Instagram3d ago

After spending 8 days trapped under the rubble, Hernan Gil was rescued, and he tells teleSUR about his first encounter with the rescue teams., #Venezuela #LaGuaira #survivor #WeStandWithVenezuela ...

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Venezuela’s Deadliest Earthquakes in a Century: 2026 Disaster Displaces Millions, Exposes Systemic Vulnerabilities

Overview

As of July 4, 2026, Venezuela is facing the devastating aftermath of recent earthquakes, with the human toll rising and rescue operations shifting toward a broader humanitarian response. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning, emphasizing the disaster as one of the deadliest in the country's modern history. Over 26,000 people have lost homes or suffered severe damage, and about 30,000 were present in the hardest-hit areas when the quakes struck. The scale of loss and ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for coordinated relief and long-term recovery efforts.

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