On June 24, a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing a building collapse that trapped Hernán Gil beneath 140 tonnes of rubble. After eight days beneath the debris, emergency workers – supported by teams from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal and the United States – managed to lift the weight and clear a path for Gil’s rescue.
The twin quakes have claimed at least 2,300 lives and left tens of thousands still missing. Despite the loss, Gil’s survival echoes the strength of international cooperation in disaster relief efforts.
Hundreds of rescuers had been working against the clock from the moment Gil was first located on Saturday, and the joint operation showcased the breadth of global assistance in tackling emergencies.
