Provisional President Delcy Rodriguez announced on X on 27/6 that an 11-year-old boy was rescued alive in Caraballeda. She stated, "In these moments, every life is a source of hope for Venezuela." The video shared by Rodriguez showed a search and rescue worker entering the rubble to extract the boy, who was then assisted by teammates and carried away from the scene on a stretcher.

Rescue personnel extract an 11-year-old boy from the rubble in Caraballeda, Venezuela, on 27/6. Video: X/Delcy Rodriguez

Rodriguez also reported that 24 nations have provided support, sending 521 tons of aid, 2,741 search and rescue personnel, and 86 search dogs to assist Venezuelan teams.

The rescue comes after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 160 km west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on the evening of 24/6, with its epicenter at a depth of 22 km. Less than one minute later, a second, 7.5 magnitude quake occurred a few kilometers away, at a depth of 10 km. This dual seismic event marks the strongest earthquake in Venezuela since 1900.

On 27/6, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that the twin earthquakes resulted in 1,430 fatalities and 3,238 injuries. Tom Fletcher, head of aid for the United Nations, estimated that the death toll could continue to rise, with over 50,000 people still missing. The U.S. Geological Survey's prediction model suggests the death toll could reach thousands, with a high probability of exceeding 10,000.

Earthquake epicenter location in Venezuela on 24/6. Graphic: Guardian

Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors in the rubble, though hope is diminishing. Experts emphasize that the first 72 hours following a natural disaster are critical for finding those alive. The United Nations estimates the damage from the twin earthquakes could reach USD 6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The UN migration agency stated that "up to 6.76 million people could be affected, requiring emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, security support, and essential relief items."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, CNN)