Venezuelan miners trapped for eight days were rescued
Venezuelan miner Ernan Alberto Gil Flores, 43, was rescued after eight days under rubble following powerful earthquakes that struck the country last week, Zamin.uz reported.
The incident has been described as a true miracle by international rescue specialists. At the time of the disaster, Flores was working a night shift at a major shopping center in La Guayra.
Consecutive quakes measuring above 7.0 on the Richter scale caused the building to collapse, but Flores survived after taking shelter in a small mining tunnel, which protected him from falling concrete slabs. During the rescue operation, members of the Costa Rican Red Cross heard signs of life coming from beneath the debris.
Remarkably, Flores initially asked rescuers not to inform his family that he was alive, fearing the operation might fail and dash their hopes.
Despite these concerns, a complex and dangerous operation involving specialists from several countries ended successfully. In recent days, contact was established with Flores using specialized equipment, and he has been receiving water and essential nutrients.
According to official reports, the devastating earthquakes claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, with tens of thousands injured to varying degrees. Many citizens remain unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing.
In the affected areas, access to food and clean drinking water remains one of the most pressing challenges. International organizations have emphasized the urgent need for long-term humanitarian assistance for more than 500,000 people.
Currently, government and volunteer efforts are focused on providing temporary shelter for displaced families.
