Rescuers in Venezuela race to save security guard trapped under building

International rescue teams are engaged in a complex and dangerous operation in La Guaira, Venezuela, attempting to free a 44-year-old security guard trapped for six days beneath a partially collapsed 10-story building. Hernan Gil Flores has been stuck in the underground parking garage since two powerful earthquakes struck the region on June 24.

Manny Sampang, a task force leader from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, described the rescue as "very complex" due to the precarious state of surrounding buildings. "I have multiple buildings leaning into that building that we are trying to rescue him from," Sampang told CBS News, highlighting the risk of further collapse.

Rescuers have made contact with Gil Flores, who is reportedly not injured and has been receiving water. His wife, Gusbimar Gonzalez, has been communicating with the rescue teams. The confirmed death toll from the 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes has surpassed 1,900, with tens of thousands still missing, according to United Nations figures.

“

It is a very complex rescue. I have multiple buildings leaning into that building that we are trying to rescue him from.

Amidst the devastation, there have been small miracles, including the rescue of an 18-day-old baby and his mother after 32 hours, and a mother and her 9-month-old baby pulled out with minor injuries. Venezuelan officials report that approximately 6,400 people have been rescued so far. NASA satellite data estimates that nearly 59,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The coastal city of La Guaira has suffered the worst destruction, forcing many residents like Marianae Hernandez to flee inland. Hernandez, whose home was destroyed, is now living in tents with her mother and three children, struggling to remain strong for them. The United Nations estimates that 1.8 million people, including nearly 700,000 children, require humanitarian aid.

“

I'm trying to be strong because I have children and I don't like them to see me cry. What we are going through right now is very difficult.