American search-and-rescue teams pulled a 9-month-old infant from rubble in Venezuela,more than 72 hours after two powerful quakes hit the country . U.S. Department of State confirmed rescue Saturday,sharing footage on social media .
Infant,alongside her mother,suffered only minor injuries. Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team (USA-01) carried out operation in Catia La Mar,deployed to Venezuela June 26 after State Department's call.
“Against impossible odds, hope endures,”the State Department posted on X,noting efforts to locate survivors after disaster. White House praised rescue teams: “Thank you to the American search and rescue teams providing assistance in Venezuela.”
Rescue teams have worked tirelessly since magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes struck Venezuela's northern coast Wednesday. By Saturday evening,death toll hit 1,430. Officials say 243 people rescued,but over 68,000 still missing across nation.
Emergency responders race against time,as critical window for finding survivors usually lasts 48 to 72 hours post-disaster. Venezuelan officials said 17 flights with more than 1,600 rescue personnel arrived Saturday to boost efforts .
Three Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Virginia,California,and Florida joined. These teams include 312 personnel,18 canine units,firefighters,physicians,and structural engineers. Over 200,000 pounds of specialized equipment brought for mission.
Los Angeles County team,73 members strong,has concrete-breaking tools and listening devices to find survivors under debris. Rescuers spread across La Guaira,hardest hit,and areas of Caracas,where families and volunteers work to pull people from wreckage.
U.S. pledged $150 million in emergency aid to support international relief groups in recovery efforts. Situation remains fluid,with updates expected as operations continue .
As search for survivors goes on,hope for more miraculous rescues stays alive. International community watches closely…
