Breaking News: Rescue Efforts Continue in Venezuela Earthquake
Rescue teams from seven countries are making progress towards a man who survived the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days ago. Emergency workers located Hernán Gil, a security guard, on Saturday beneath the ruins of a multi-storey car park in Catia La Mar.
Rescuers have been able to make visual contact with Gil in recent hours. Despite being buried under nine meters of unstable rubble, he is reported to be “in good spirits” and encouraging the rescuers. His wife has called his survival a “miracle.”
Almost 2,300 people have died from the earthquakes that hit on June 24, with tens of thousands still missing. Since Gil was found over 100 hours ago, around 350 rescuers from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States have been working to free him.
The access ducts built to reach Gil have collapsed several times, posing risks to both the rescuers and Gil. Last night, teams established visual contact with him using a small camera. He was seen wearing a face mask and had a bloodshot eye. Rescuers are providing him with goggles to protect against dust and debris as they continue their efforts.
