A video captured amidst the rubble in La Guaira has emerged as one of the most poignant accounts of the catastrophe in Venezuela. A man, armed with just a hammer, rescued his wife trapped after the June 24 earthquakes, all while they exchanged scoldings, shared their love, and faced desperation together.
The footage, widely shared across social media platforms, depicts the man breaking through walls and clearing debris to free Adriana from a building damaged by the earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, which rattled the northern region with only 39 seconds apart.
In a moment that captured the attention of countless viewers, Adriana warns, her voice cracking, about the potential collapse of a wall onto him. Yet, he presses on, asserting, "Adriana, I know what I'm doing, my love," with a determination that went viral. He reassures her, "Don't take my breath away. I'm closer to you than you think," and as she questions his methods, he tells her, "Adriana, I'm right here, sweetheart. I've got it all under control. Cover your face." A user who shared the video on X described it aptly: "There was an argument, scolding, love, concern, hard work—everything was in this rescue."
Filmed during an emergency, the video reveals more than just a rescue; it captures the instinct to hold on to a loved one, even when everything around threatens to collapse. From the other side of the wall, Adriana implored him to be cautious, fearing the structure might fall on them both. Undeterred, each blow was a promise that he wouldn't leave her behind.
The dramatic rescue took place in La Guaira, the coastal city adjacent to Caracas that bore the brunt of the devastation following the June 24 quakes. In this area, 855 buildings were damaged: 189 completely collapsed and 666 suffered partial or severe damage, according to official reports.
Adriana and her husband's story joins a series of rescues that have touched the region amid the tragedy: a 10-month-old baby and an 11-year-old boy were recently pulled alive from the rubble, and another child was rescued on Tuesday after five days trapped.
As these tales of survival circulate on social media, the official toll of victims continues to rise. Jorge Rodríguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, announced on Tuesday that the official death count had reached 1,943, with 10,571 injured.
Independent estimates paint an even grimmer picture: the United States Geological Survey assigns a 42% probability that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, while the UN estimates as many as 50,000 might be missing. The citizen platform Encuéntralos reported between 55,000 and 60,000 people unaccounted for, with only about 9,000 found.
Among the missing are at least thirty Cubans located in the areas of Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales, in La Guaira.
FAQs about the Venezuelan Earthquakes and Rescues
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
How many buildings were damaged in La Guaira?
In La Guaira, 855 buildings were damaged, with 189 fully collapsed and 666 suffering partial or severe damage.
What is the estimated number of missing persons?
The UN estimates up to 50,000 people might be missing, while the platform Encuéntralos reports between 55,000 and 60,000 unaccounted for.