local
Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes
By FERNANDA PESCE and JUAN PABLO ARRAEZ, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela (AP) — Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier. Hernán Alberto Gil Flor...
Key takeaway Hernán Alberto Gil Flores emerged to safety covered in dust atop a stretcher [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The dramatic rescue of a Venezuelan security guard after eight days trapped in a collapsed basement is a stark reminder of the devastating power of earthquakes. While Odessa has not experienced a disaster of this magnitude, the city's location in the Permian Basin, an area prone to seismic activity due to oil and gas extraction, makes earthquake preparedness a concern for local residents. As the community watches the aftermath of the Venezuelan earthquakes unfold, it may prompt questions about Odessa's own emergency response plans and building codes. The rescue efforts in Venezuela demonstrate the importance of coordinated search and rescue operations, and Odessa's public safety officials may take note of the strategies employed in this international response. The city's residents can appreciate the complexity and challenges of such operations, and consider the measures in place to protect them in the event of a similar disaster.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela (AP) — Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier. Hernán Alberto Gil Flor...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by FERNANDA PESCE and JUAN PABLO ARRAEZ, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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