An 11-year-old boy was successfully rescued after being trapped for three days beneath rubble in Caraballeda, Venezuela. The rescue operation took place on June 27, 2023, and was shared widely on social media by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who emphasized the hope that each saved life brings to the nation.

In a video posted by Rodriguez, a rescue worker is seen crawling into the debris to reach the boy, who was then safely extracted with the help of his team. The boy was carried out on a stretcher, marking a moment of relief amidst the ongoing crisis.

This incident follows a devastating double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, respectively. The earthquakes, which occurred approximately 160 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas, have resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. As of June 27, the President reported that at least 1,430 people have died and over 3,238 have been injured due to the earthquakes.

Rodriguez stated that 24 countries have provided aid, sending 521 tons of supplies and deploying 2,741 rescue personnel along with 86 trained dogs to assist in the search efforts. The United Nations’ aid chief, Tom Fletcher, has warned that the death toll may continue to rise, with estimates suggesting that more than 50,000 individuals remain missing.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the likelihood of the death toll exceeding 10,000 is very high. The United Nations has estimated that the total damage from the earthquakes could reach $6.7 billion, which is about 6% of Venezuela's GDP. The UN’s migration agency has indicated that up to 6.76 million people may be affected, requiring urgent shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, security support, and essential relief supplies.

As rescue teams continue their efforts, hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling. Experts note that the first 72 hours following a natural disaster are critical for locating living victims, making the ongoing search a race against time.