Venezuelan earthquake survivor trapped for 7 days rescued; international teams join search

(CNA Catia La Mar, July 1st, Combined News Agencies) Seven days have passed since the twin earthquakes in Venezuela, and international rescue teams are on the scene. Late tonight, hundreds of search and rescue personnel continue their efforts to save a 43-year-old man trapped in the rubble of a seven-story building for a full week.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the 43-year-old man, Hernan Gil, is a security guard who was trapped in his guard booth beneath the building during the earthquake.

In this major Venezuelan earthquake, Catia La Mar, located in the coastal region, was almost flattened.

Search and rescue teams from seven countries, including Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico, have been working day and night for the past three days in an attempt to rescue Gil.

By late tonight, rescuers were less than 1 meter away from Gil's location.

Chilean Fire Department posted a video on Instagram showing Gil trapped in the guard booth. In the video, he is wearing a mask, his right eye is bloodshot and red, and he turns his head to look at the camera.

Gil's wife, Gusbimar Gonzalez, told AFP, "This is truly a miracle... I can't believe it at all, because this is the first time I've seen so many countries unite just to save one person."

Since June 29th, rescuers have been continuously reinforcing the building with wood and iron to prevent the already tilted structure from collapsing, while also providing Gil with water and installing a pipe to supply him with air.

Chilean rescue team leader Cristian Vera told AFP, "The access route to the building is quite complex," and it is not easy for rescuers to reach the trapped person's location due to a "very large pillar" blocking the way.

The major Venezuelan earthquake has caused at least 2,300 deaths, with many still missing. (Compiled by: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150702

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