Venezuela Earthquake Traps 12-Year-Old for 32 Hours Before Rescue

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2023, collapsing a multi-story building in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, and trapping a 12-year-old girl for 32 hours before rescuers reached her, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and local emergency reports.

What Caused the Earthquake and How Strong Was It?

The tremor, which occurred at 10:50 a.m. local time, was initially reported as a 7.5-magnitude quake by some media outlets but later adjusted to 7.3 by the USGS. The agency noted the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, amplifying its impact on the surface. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake as part of a series of seismic events, with a second tremor of 6.1 magnitude following minutes later.

How Did the Building Collapse Affect Residents?

The earthquake damaged a 10-story residential building in Caraballeda, leaving one section of the structure completely destroyed. Survivors described seeing “a gap where my building stood,” according to a local news outlet, which quoted a resident who fled the area during the shaking. The building’s first-floor apartment, where the 12-year-old girl was staying with her mother, was among the most severely affected. The girl, identified in the original account as Fabiana, was trapped under debris after the walls of her apartment collapsed, according to a report by Venezuelan news network TeleSur.

How Was the Girl Rescued After 32 Hours?

Rescuers from the Venezuelan National Guard and local volunteers worked through the night to locate the girl, who had been trapped for 32 hours. A nurse from an adjacent apartment, who was also trapped, called out to nearby rescuers and informed them of the girl’s presence, according to a statement from the Caraballeda Emergency Operations Center. The girl was finally extracted at 1:30 a.m. on June 25, two hours after the nurse was rescued. “She was conscious but in shock,” a rescuer told Reuters. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

What Are the Broader Implications of the Earthquake?

The quake caused widespread damage across La Guaira state, with reports of power outages, fallen trees, and cracked infrastructure. The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, and the Red Cross launched a relief operation to provide shelter and medical supplies to displaced families. Experts warn that Venezuela’s aging infrastructure and frequent seismic activity make the country particularly vulnerable to such disasters. A 2021 study published in the journal *Natural Hazards* noted that northern Venezuela lies along a tectonic fault line, increasing the risk of strong earthquakes.

What Happens Next for the Victims?

Local authorities are conducting damage assessments and investigating the structural integrity of buildings in the area. The government has announced plans to allocate funds for reconstruction, but critics argue that Venezuela’s economic crisis has hindered disaster preparedness efforts. A spokesperson for the Venezuelan Ministry of Social Development stated, “We are committed to supporting affected families and ensuring their safety.” Meanwhile, the girl’s family is receiving psychological support, as trauma specialists emphasize the long-term effects of such experiences.