Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Jordanian search and rescue teams, and United Nations humanitarian agencies confirmed that three-year-old Klieber Moran had been rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed residential building in La Guaira, six days after twin earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, offering a remarkable moment of hope amid one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in more than a century.
TheRescue unfolded at the Los Corales Garden 1 residential complex, where Jordanian emergency workers located the toddler beneath the debris after an intensive operation.
Also read: Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 1,719
Klieber Moran was immediately transferred to a hospital in Caracas for medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition. The rescue was the only confirmed live extraction on the sixth day of search operations.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the rescue as “a symbol of hope” for families still awaiting news of missing relatives.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez urged rescuers not to abandon the search, saying, “We must continue searching because hope remains.”
The powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart on 24 June, flattening neighbourhoods across La Guaira and surrounding regions.
Venezuelan authorities have confirmed nearly 2,000 deaths and more than 6,400 rescues, while thousands remain displaced and many communities continue to grapple with damaged infrastructure and repeated aftershocks.
The rescue has become a rare bright moment as emergency crews from more than 20 countries continue searching collapsed buildings.
International teams, supported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, remain focused on areas where survivors could still be trapped despite the diminishing chances of finding people alive.
Humanitarian agencies warned that the crisis is rapidly evolving beyond search and rescue.
The United Nations refugee agency said needs were “skyrocketing” as tens of thousands of people remained without adequate shelter, while hospitals, schools and water systems have suffered extensive damage.
More than 600 aftershocks have further complicated relief operations and heightened safety concerns for displaced families.
UNICEF has delivered 47 tonnes of emergency supplies, including medical kits, water purification equipment, newborn care materials and child-friendly shelter facilities.
The agency estimates that around 680,000 children across the affected states require humanitarian assistance and has appealed for additional funding to sustain emergency operations.
TheRescue has also highlighted the determination of rescue workers and volunteers operating under extremely difficult conditions.
Across La Guaira, young volunteers, many of whom also lost their homes, have helped organise shelters, distribute aid and register displaced residents while waiting for longer-term government assistance.
The twin earthquakes represent Venezuela’s most destructive seismic disaster in more than 100 years, striking a country already facing prolonged economic hardship and strained public services.
Also read: Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 1,719
Relief organisations have cautioned that rebuilding homes, restoring healthcare facilities and supporting affected communities will require sustained international assistance long after rescue operations conclude.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
