Key facts
- Fabiana, 12, was trapped for 32 hours under rubble after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Venezuela.
- She survived by eating ketchup and grated cheese found in the debris.
A 12-year-old girl survived for 32 hours trapped under rubble after a powerful earthquake struck Venezuela. She sustained a fractured foot and minor injuries, and was rescued by firefighters and volunteers.
This story highlights the devastating human impact of natural disasters and the resilience of individuals in extreme circumstances. It underscores the critical role of rescue efforts and community support in saving lives.
A 12-year-old girl named Fabiana has been rescued after being trapped for 32 hours under the rubble of her collapsed apartment building following a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. Fabiana was in her kitchen when the building crumbled around her, leaving her buried with the ceiling close to her face. She managed to survive by consuming ketchup and grated cheese she found amidst the debris, and by moving rubble to alleviate pain from her leg being trapped in an awkward position. A nurse, also trapped in the building, heard Fabiana's cries and alerted rescuers, giving Fabiana's mother, Karina Blanco, hope after she had initially feared the worst. Volunteers, including one named Viktor, played a crucial role in locating Fabiana and reassuring her while rescue efforts were underway. After numerous attempts by different teams, a breakthrough was made, and Fabiana was pulled out alive around 2:00 AM on Friday, 32 hours after the earthquake. She sustained a fractured foot and minor injuries. Of the nearly 50 people in her building, only three were rescued alive. The earthquakes have claimed over 3,342 lives in Venezuela, with tens of thousands still missing.