DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇮 Nicaragua /Disasters & Emergencies

Venezuela earthquake: Rescue efforts intensify for boy trapped for 9 days

From Confidencial · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Rescue efforts continue for 9-year-old Fabio, who has been trapped under rubble for nine days following a major earthquake in Venezuela.
  • Rescuers are using drones and thermal imaging to assess the situation, while the boy's family reports hearing sounds from beneath the debris.
  • International aid is arriving, with teams from Spain, Portugal, and Argentina joining the rescue and medical efforts, alongside significant donations from celebrities and organizations.

The desperate search for 9-year-old Fabio continues nine days after he became trapped under the rubble of his building following a devastating double earthquake in Venezuela on June 24, 2026. As the probability of finding survivors diminishes, some rescue teams are beginning to withdraw from the affected area.

The official death toll from the catastrophe has risen to 2,645, with 12,666 injured. The Venezuelan government is expected to announce economic measures soon to address the crisis. Authorities report that 15,050 people are now homeless, and 86,117 families have received assistance. The disaster has affected 885 buildings, with 189 completely collapsed, leading to the establishment of 59 temporary camps.

Despite the grim circumstances, hope persists. "I feel here in my heart, I feel it in my body that Fabio is still alive," said Francisco Bastardo, the boy's father, to EFE. A joint team of rescuers from Spain, Portugal, and Venezuela is employing drones and dogs, conducting thermal tests to detect any signs of life. Fabio's family insists they have heard him, with his grandmother Rebeca reporting he responded with a whistle on Sunday, June 29, and sounds like banging on Friday, July 3.

I feel here in my heart, I feel it in my body that Fabio is still alive.

— Francisco BastardoThe father of the 9-year-old boy trapped under rubble expresses his hope for his son's survival.

International support is bolstering the rescue and medical response. Approximately 70 Argentine rescuers and 30 Venezuelan doctors departed from Buenos Aires on a humanitarian mission. The flight, organized by the Solidaire foundation, also carried four tons of supplies donated by the Argentine Red Cross.

Celebrities and international organizations are also contributing. Spanish singer Rosalía made a significant donation to UNICEF to aid Venezuelan children. Colombian artist Shakira announced that the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with which she collaborates, will donate $500,000. The Spanish Emergency Committee, comprising eight NGOs, has raised one million euros for food security, clean water, and hygiene initiatives.

On Sunday, June 29, Fabio responded to calls with a whistle and on the morning of Friday, July 3, noises like banging were heard.

— RebecaThe boy's grandmother shares details of perceived responses from beneath the debris.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Confidencial in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog