Man Rescued Alive After 8 Days Under Venezuela Earthquake Rubble

Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was rescued alive after being trapped for eight days beneath the rubble of a nine-story building in Catia La Mar, northern Venezuela, following powerful earthquakes that struck the region. The rescue operation lasted about 70 hours and involved removing approximately 140 tons of debris. Gil Flores, who worked as a security guard in an underground parking lot of a mall, survived without injuries, reportedly protected by the small space where he was trapped.

The rescue began when a team member accidentally heard Gil Flores' faint cries from under the concrete. Rescue workers from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States collaborated in the complex operation. Some access tunnels collapsed multiple times during the effort, highlighting the dangers faced by both the rescuers and the survivor. Medical teams provided fluids and intravenous treatment during the rescue.

Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez called the rescue a "real miracle" during her hospital visit to Gil Flores. The man remained in contact with rescuers throughout, encouraging them not to give up and requesting his favorite drinks. After his extraction, he was hospitalized in good condition.

The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation, with the Venezuelan government reporting 2,954 confirmed deaths and around 41,000 people missing. Approximately 30,000 rescue personnel from various countries, including Israel, are assisting in ongoing relief efforts.

Summary: Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was miraculously rescued alive after eight days trapped under earthquake rubble in northern Venezuela, amid a disaster that has left nearly 3,000 dead and thousands missing. The complex rescue involved international teams and was hailed as a miracle by Venezuelan officials.