Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, a 21-year-old Venezuelan, endured a harrowing 106 hours trapped beneath the debris of the OPP 25 building in Tanaguarena, located in the state of La Guaira, following the catastrophic double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026. His incredible account of survival is a testament to the anxiety, faith, and resolve that kept him alive.
It all began in a seemingly ordinary way: Aaron was playing with his Xbox in his room when suddenly the ground shifted violently. "I ran to the door, but when I reached the first floor, everything fell on top of me," he recounted. After the impact, he checked himself for injuries and found none while hearing others around him moan in pain.
The Struggle for Survival
In the pitch-black darkness, several trapped individuals, including Isaac, Sam, and Keiner, passed a phone around, hoping Aaron could reach emergency services at 911 or 171. However, there was no signal. Faced with collective despair and fearing for their lives, Aaron made a decision: "I told them, let's pray."
Hours passed before rescuers could locate him. When Aaron finally heard the sounds of digging, he used a metal rod to bang on the ceiling and shouted to guide them. "Each time they got close, they'd ask, 'If I talk to you here, do you hear me near or far?'" he recalled, which helped him direct the rescue teams.
Overcoming Obstacles
Amidst the turmoil, Aaron confessed to the rescuers, "I'm anxious, scared, I don't want to die here, I'm exhausted, I can't take it anymore, I'm thirsty." In response, they inserted a tube through the rod to provide him with water and serum. "Give me water, and I'll hold on a bit longer," he pleaded.
A particularly challenging barrier was the body of a deceased individual named "Mari," blocking the path between Aaron and the rescuers. Aaron himself proposed a solution: "If you move the body off Mari's hand to the side, I can climb over her and get out." They handed him a strap, which he used to maneuver and leap over the obstacle.
Rescue and Relief
During the final extraction, a rescuer named Javier offered his body as a protective mat. "I'll be your carpet; you'll go over me to avoid getting scratched," he assured Aaron, adding, "Just enjoy the ride." The rescue, completed on Monday, June 29, was a collaborative effort involving teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador. The operation took 43 hours from when Aaron was first found alive. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, among the first to send aid, shared the news: "After intense hours of joint work, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, 21, has been rescued alive."
The double quake on June 24—two seismic events measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, just 39 seconds apart—is deemed the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century and ranks among the most severe in the country's recorded history.
As of June 30, official reports indicated at least 1,943 fatalities, 10,571 injuries, and 15,866 people displaced, with the UN estimating up to 50,000 missing nationwide. In La Guaira, the hardest-hit state, at least 189 buildings collapsed, with another 666 severely damaged.
Bukele concluded his announcement with a sentiment echoing the emotions of many who heard Aaron's story: "Thank God for this miracle. We continue working, hoping to save more lives."
Key Questions About the Venezuela Earthquake Rescue
How long was Aaron Cantillo Vargas trapped?
Aaron Cantillo Vargas was trapped under the rubble for 106 hours following the earthquake.
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
Which countries assisted in the rescue operation?
Teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador were involved in the rescue operation.