MIRACLE RESCUE

In a remarkable story of survival amid tragedy, a 12-year-old boy named Carlos was pulled alive from the debris of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, nearly five days after powerful twin earthquakes devastated the region.

Dramatic footage captured by rescuers shows the emotional moment the boy was extracted from the wreckage. The rescue was carried out by the Quito Fire Department’s USAR ECU-01 team, working in coordination with a team from the Dominican Republic.

“After hours of work, our USAR ECU – 01 team, in coordination with the Dominican Republic team, managed to rescue 12-year-old Carlos alive, who had been trapped under the rubble in the Macuto sector, La Guaira, Venezuela,” the local fire department stated. “Five days after the earthquake, finding signs of life is the greatest boost to keep going.”

The team added that every rescue brings renewed hope to families and underscores the importance of continuing the search efforts.

Context of the Disaster

Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on June 24 — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude — just 39 seconds apart. The quakes caused widespread destruction, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira.

• Death toll: Over 1,450 (and expected to rise)
• Injured: More than 3,150
• Missing: Nearly 46,000–50,000 people
• Economic damage: Estimated between £3.5 billion and £6.6 billion

This rescue follows other miraculous survivals, including a mother and her 18-day-old baby who were pulled from the rubble after more than 30 hours.

Rescue operations continue in critical conditions, with international teams working around the clock as time runs out for finding more survivors. The disaster has leveled entire neighborhoods and highlighted concerns over building standards in the affected areas.