In a heartwarming moment amidst the Venezuelan disaster, the El Salvador Humanitarian Rescue Unit (UHR) successfully rescued 15-year-old Camila Sofía Medina Rivas. She was trapped on the ninth floor of the Bahía Mar building in the Caribe urbanization of La Guaira state, three days following a devastating double earthquake that shook northern Venezuela.
El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, documented the operation in real-time on social media, making it a symbol of international response to the catastrophe.
The rescue unfolded in two stages. Initially, Salvadoran teams managed to free Chanel, Camila Sofía's golden-haired Yorkshire Terrier, who was also trapped in the debris.
Bukele shared: "We've successfully rescued Chanel, Camila Sofía's dog. Camila remains trapped. Our teams are working to create a safe passage to reach her. May God allow us to rescue her soon as well."
Hours later, the president confirmed the young girl was found alive, with her mother waiting below among Salvadoran team members. However, more walls needed to be breached to safely reach her.
Hope and Courage Amidst Disaster
Throughout the operation, Camila communicated with her rescuers, stating, "I can only move my legs."
Finally, Bukele released a video of the complete rescue with the message: "We've rescued Camila! Thank you, God, for using us in this way. Strength to Venezuela."
In the footage, a rescuer encourages her with supportive words: "Come on, Camila, come on. Good, good, my dear, good, good," as cheers of "Long live Venezuela! Long live El Salvador too!" erupt in the background.
A Catastrophe of Historic Proportions
The dual earthquakes on June 24, 2026—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, respectively, within just 39 seconds—were deemed the strongest in Venezuela since 1900 by the U.S. Geological Survey.
La Guaira state bore the brunt of the destruction, with 383 buildings damaged or destroyed and entire neighborhoods in ruins.
The official death toll stood at 920, with over 3,360 injured and 157 confirmed missing. The United Nations estimated up to 50,000 unaccounted for and 6.76 million affected.
Miracles Amidst Tragedy
Camila's rescue wasn't the only miraculous survival story. In Catia La Mar, an 18-day-old baby and their mother were saved after more than 32 hours under rubble, and impromptu rescuers saved a woman named María Elena, promising her: "Three of us went in, four of us will come out."
Rescue teams from 16 countries, including the United States, Spain, France, and Colombia, worked tirelessly among the debris.
El Salvador, notably, dispatched six planes carrying 300 rescuers, paramedics, and 150 tons of supplies, creating an unforgettable moment in the global response to this tragedy with the rescue of Camila Sofía.
Key Questions on the Venezuelan Earthquake Rescue Efforts
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
How many countries participated in the rescue efforts?
Rescue teams from 16 countries, including the United States, Spain, France, and Colombia, participated in the efforts.
What role did El Salvador play in the rescue operations?
El Salvador sent six planes with 300 rescuers, paramedics, and 150 tons of supplies, playing a significant role in the rescue operations, including the rescue of Camila Sofía.