In Venezuela, the hopes of finding survivors in the hell of collapsed buildings are fading more and more. The crucial 72-hour window has in fact closed, but the rescue teams – arriving from neighboring countries and other parts of the world (including Italy) together with volunteers – continue to work tirelessly while the earth continues to shake. And every now and then they become protagonists of exciting rescues, such as that of Carlos, a 12-year-old boy pulled out alive after spending 5 days under the rubble, in the state of La Guaira, completely on his knees after last week’s earthquakes.
The exciting images of the delicate rescue operation, for which the intervention of the Fire Brigade from Ecuador and a team from the Dominican Republic proved fundamental, are traveling around the world and rekindling a glimmer of light in these days of anguish and desolation.
#ApoyoVenezuela | URGENT | ¡A new life recovered!
After one minute, between hours of work, our USAR ECU – 01 team, in coordination with the team of the Dominican Republic, recorded life with Carlos, 12 years old, who remained trapped below the escombros… pic.twitter.com/moGnGFy8AY
— Bomberos Quito (@BomberosQuito) June 30, 2026
“Five days after the earthquake, finding signs of life is the greatest impetus to continue. Each person saved represents a family that regains hope and reminds us that it is worth continuing the search” the rescuers commented, overcome with emotion.
The tragic death toll: about ten Italians dead
Meanwhile, the death toll from the disaster has risen to 1,719, Venezuelan authorities reported. The number of injured has also been updated, reaching 5,304, while over 50 thousand are missing.
Unfortunately, among the dead there are also several Italian compatriots. The Farnesina announces that 11 Italian citizens died following the violent earthquakes, including the Italian-Venezuelan Francesca Mannina and a family originally from Campania, 4 were injured and 40 were missing.
Around a hundred Italian experts are in action in the area affected by the tragedy, including Civil Protection personnel, Farnesina Crisis Unit, Fire Brigade with specialized USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) and TAST (Technical Advanced Support Team) components and medical-health personnel from five Regions. Furthermore, our country is providing basic necessities to support the civilian population and provide healthcare.
Sources: Bomberos Quito/Farnesina
