Venezuela Earthquake

Chilean rescue workers carry Hernán Alberto Gil Flores after he was pulled from the rubble eight days after he was trapped by twin earthquakes that struck Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Thursday, July 2, 2026.

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Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes

Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes

Rescuers have pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira. Rescuers initially made contact with him over the weekend. Gil Flores, who worked as a night-shift security guard at the complex, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck.