Powerful Earthquakes Leave a Trail of Destruction
A 12 year old girl survived an incredible 32 hours beneath the rubble of her apartment after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. The second earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.5, making it one of the country’s strongest earthquakes in nearly 100 years. The powerful shaking destroyed homes, damaged buildings, and left many families searching for missing relatives.
Mother Rushes Home in Fear
Karina Blanco was leading a spinning class when the ground suddenly started shaking. As the tremors became stronger, she grabbed her belongings and ran outside with everyone else.
Her first thought was her daughter, Fabiana, who was home alone. Karina quickly drove toward her apartment, hoping she would find her safe.
When she reached the area, she saw that her apartment building had collapsed. The sight left her in shock. She searched desperately through the crowd while calling her daughter’s name, fearing the worst.
Fabiana Finds Herself Trapped
Inside the apartment, Fabiana felt the violent shaking and ran toward the kitchen. Seconds later, the walls collapsed around her and threw her to the floor.
Heavy concrete and broken walls trapped her beneath the debris. The ceiling rested only a short distance above her face, leaving almost no room to move.
Despite suffering from anxiety and claustrophobia, Fabiana stayed calm. She later said that remaining calm helped her survive during those difficult hours.
A Voice Brings New Hope
Hours after the earthquake, a nurse trapped inside the same building called out to anyone who could hear her.
Fabiana answered, and the nurse encouraged her to stay strong until rescuers arrived.
Emergency workers rescued the nurse around midnight. Before leaving, she told rescue teams that another survivor, a young girl named Fabiana, remained trapped under the collapsed building.
When rescuers shared the news with Karina, her fear turned into hope. She returned to the rubble and continued calling for her daughter.
Ketchup and Cheese Help Keep Her Alive
While waiting for help, Fabiana carefully moved small pieces of rubble so she could straighten her injured leg.
During that effort, she found a bottle of ketchup and some grated cheese. She ate small amounts to stay awake and keep her strength.
Later, she discovered her mobile phone. Although there was no signal, she recorded a video explaining where she was trapped and asking rescuers to help everyone buried beneath the rubble.
She hoped someone would eventually find the recording.
Rescue Teams Continue the Search
The next morning, firefighters searched the damaged building and repeatedly called Fabiana’s name. They received no reply and believed they had searched every possible area.
Karina almost lost hope again.
Soon afterward, a volunteer named Viktor listened to her story and decided to continue searching. His determination encouraged others to keep looking despite the dangerous conditions.
After 32 long hours, rescue workers finally reached Fabiana and pulled her safely from the collapsed building.
A Remarkable Story of Survival
Fabiana’s survival has inspired people across Venezuela. Her courage, patience, and determination helped her overcome an unimaginable situation.
Karina says the emotional recovery will take time, but she remains grateful that her daughter survived. Their story highlights the importance of hope, community support, and the dedication of rescue workers who refused to give up.
