A 43-year-old security guard has been rescued from the rubble of a collapsed shopping centre in Venezuela, eight days after twin earthquakes devastated the region. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was pulled alive from the basement of the mall amid cheers from international rescue teams, after surviving thanks to a pocket of air created by his workplace cabin.
Survival in a pocket of air
Gil Flores, a nightshift security guard at the centre, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck. The surrounding concrete structure collapsed around him, but his cabin shielded him from crushing debris and created a vital pocket of air that sustained him for over a week. Rescue teams first made contact with him four days before his extraction, keeping him fed and hydrated throughout the operation.
International rescue effort
The rescue was a collaborative effort involving international teams, who worked tirelessly to free Gil Flores from the wreckage. His survival was described as a miracle, given the extent of the damage from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. The twin quakes caused widespread destruction, with many buildings collapsing and hundreds feared dead.
According to rescue officials, the guard’s location in the basement and the protective structure of his cabin were key to his survival. “He was trapped but had enough space to breathe and move slightly,” a team leader said. “We kept him calm and provided water and food through a narrow passage.”
Ongoing search and recovery
While Gil Flores’ rescue has brought a moment of joy, search and recovery operations continue across affected areas. The earthquakes have left thousands homeless and overwhelmed local emergency services. International aid has been pouring in, with rescue teams from several countries assisting in the efforts.
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency, and officials are working to assess the full scale of the disaster. The survival of Gil Flores stands as a rare positive story amid the tragedy.
