A two-year-old girl was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Venezuela on Tuesday, six days after a devastating earthquake killed more than 500 people and left thousands homeless. The child, identified as Sofia Rodriguez, was found trapped beneath concrete slabs in the city of Cumaná, one of the hardest-hit areas. Rescuers heard her cries and worked for hours to free her, using their hands and small tools to avoid further collapse.
Rescue Details
The rescue operation began Monday evening when a search dog alerted handlers to the site. Firefighters and volunteers carefully removed debris, finally reaching the toddler on Tuesday morning. She was dehydrated and had minor injuries but was conscious and able to speak. "It is a miracle," said fire chief Carlos Mendoza. "We never gave up hope, but after six days, we feared the worst." The child was airlifted to a field hospital, where doctors said she was in stable condition.
Earthquake Impact
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck on June 24, leveling buildings and triggering landslides across northern Venezuela. Official figures report 527 deaths and over 4,000 injuries, with Cumaná and Caracas suffering the most damage. More than 100,000 people have been displaced, and rescue teams from Mexico, Colombia, and Spain have joined local efforts. The government has declared a state of emergency, and international aid is arriving, but many remote areas remain cut off.
Community and International Response
In Cumaná, residents have formed bucket brigades to clear rubble, while volunteers distribute food and water. The rescue of Sofia has lifted spirits. "This gives us strength to keep searching," said neighbor Maria Gonzalez. The United Nations has pledged $10 million in emergency aid, and the Red Cross is providing medical supplies. However, officials warn that the death toll may rise as crews reach more collapsed structures. The search continues for dozens still missing.
