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NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsJuly 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Miami Rescue Team Helps Save Survivor in Venezuela Earthquake

A Miami-based search-and-rescue team played a key role in a multi-national effort to save a security guard trapped for eight days following earthquakes in Venezuela. The team, which included members of Florida Task Force 2, spent over 53 hours working to free the survivor from the rubble of a shopping center.

disaster reliefinternational relationshumanitarian aidemergency services
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local News

Why It Matters

Local Miami emergency personnel are currently deployed in Venezuela on a requested by the U.S. Department of State to assist in ongoing earthquake recovery efforts.

Key Facts

  • A security guard, Hernán Alberto Flores Gil, was rescued after being trapped for eight days under the rubble of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center.
  • Florida Task Force 2, led by the City of Miami Fire Rescue Department, worked for over 53 hours to free the survivor.
  • The rescue team is part of a larger international effort involving personnel from Chile, Portugal, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
  • The mission was requested by the U.S. Department of State.
  • The rescue team is expected to remain in Venezuela for at least two weeks.
  • Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Urban Search and Rescue team is also on-site using trained search dogs.
  • The survivor was kept alive by an air pocket created by his guard booth during the building collapse.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCity of Miami Fire Rescue Department“Led the Florida Task Force 2 rescue efforts.”organizationFlorida Task Force 2“Miami-based rescue team deployed to Venezuela.”personEileen Higgins“Miami Mayor who commented on the rescue mission.”personEric D’Armas“Veteran firefighter and member of the rescue team.”personHernán Alberto Flores Gil“Security guard rescued after being trapped for eight days.”organizationTelemundo 51“News outlet that interviewed the Mayor.”organizationU.S. Department of State“Requested the humanitarian mission.”