American search-and-rescue teams have rescued an infant from beneath the rubble in Venezuela, days after the country was struck by devastating earthquakes, the U.S. Department of State announced Saturday.
The State Department shared video footage showing U.S. personnel pulling the infant from debris as rescue efforts continued more than 72 hours after two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela's northern coast.
"Against impossible odds, hope endures," the State Department posted on X, formerly Twitter, alongside the video. "American search and rescue teams rescued an infant from beneath the rubble following the earthquake in Venezuela. Every life saved is a victory."
The White House also shared the video, stating, "Thank you to the American search and rescue teams providing assistance in Venezuela."
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Round-the-clock rescue operations have been underway since magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck the region on Wednesday. As of Saturday evening, officials reported a death toll of 1,430 people, with an additional 243 rescued. More than 68,000 people remained missing across the country.
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Virginia, California, and Florida were deployed to Venezuela on Friday. These teams comprise 312 personnel, including firefighters, physicians, structural engineers, and canine search specialists, along with 18 canine teams. They brought more than 200,000 pounds of specialized rescue equipment, including concrete-breaking tools and listening devices designed to detect survivors trapped beneath debris.
Rescuers have concentrated their efforts in La Guaira, the area that experienced the most severe destruction, as well as parts of Caracas. Families and volunteers have been working alongside emergency crews to locate survivors and victims.
The United States has committed $150 million in emergency assistance and support for international relief organizations responding to the disaster.