Story perspectives

Guard Rescued After 8 Days Amid Venezuela Twin Quakes

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rescuers recovered security guard Hernán Gil from the rubble after eight days, calling it a miracle.
Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24 2026, killing 2,954 people and leaving tens of thousands missing.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said thousands of officials were deployed and rejected criticism.
Rescue teams from Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico freed the survivor.

History

Historical Context

In 2010 a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, prompting President Obama to pledge $100 million while the United Nations, U.S. agencies and French forces coordinated relief. That multinational response model resurfaced on 24 June 2026 when strong quakes hit Venezuela, drawing rescue teams from Chile, the United States and Mexico, echoing the 2010 Chile magnitude-8.8 quake.

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Story summary

Rescuers recovered security guard Hernán Gil from the rubble after eight days, calling it a miracle.
Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24 2026, killing 2,954 people and leaving tens of thousands missing.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said thousands of officials were deployed and rejected criticism.
Rescue teams from Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico freed the survivor.

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