Rescuers successfully extracted a 43-year-old security guard who had been trapped in a collapsed basement for several days following twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela. Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was rescued from the Galerias Playa Grande shopping center in La Guaira, where he had been stuck since June 24.

Teams from various countries cheered as Mr. Gil Flores was carried out on a stretcher and taken to safety in a Red Cross ambulance. The security guard, who was on duty when the earthquakes hit, was shielded in his security cabin as the building collapsed around him, creating a pocket of air that kept him alive.

His wife, Gusbimar Gonzalez, expressed relief and hope upon learning that her husband was alive after days of uncertainty. The rescue operation, led by Chilean firefighters with support from international teams, involved navigating challenging conditions to reach the survivor.

Rescuers maintained constant contact with Mr. Gil Flores through a narrow shaft, providing him with water and nutrients during the extraction process. Maria Paz Campos, a firefighter from Chile, played a crucial role in keeping him calm and assisting in the rescue efforts.

The earthquakes on June 24 caused widespread destruction in northern Venezuela, resulting in numerous casualties and significant damage to buildings. The successful rescue of Mr. Gil Flores brought a ray of hope amidst the tragedy, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the rescue teams involved.