In a remarkable feat, El Salvador's Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) successfully rescued Nayarit Colmenare, a 39-year-old woman, from the wreckage of a collapsed building in Venezuela's La Guaira state. She had been trapped for over 48 hours following the devastating seismic events.
The rescue mission, which lasted more than seven grueling hours, was closely monitored by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. He provided real-time updates on social media, highlighting the extreme conditions faced by the team.
"We've spent 7 hours trying to rescue Nayarit Colmenare, 39. We have established visual contact. She was on the sixth floor when the building fell. Her health condition is critical, but she is alive," Bukele posted before the successful extraction.
The rescue team managed to establish a vein line to administer intravenous fluids to Colmenare, a crucial medical intervention that helped stabilize her condition during the extraction.
Heidy Yaneth Aguilar Morales, a nurse and member of the USAR El Salvador medical team, was instrumental in making direct contact with Nayarit and assisting in her rescue. President Bukele publicly acknowledged her contribution following the operation.
Upon confirming the successful rescue, President Bukele announced, "We have rescued Nayarit! Now, we must fight to stabilize her. God, allow us to save her life."
The Salvadoran Presidency also released a statement: "Nayarit has been rescued and is receiving medical attention. With God's help, we will continue to support our Venezuelan brothers and sisters."
The Aftermath of a Historic Tragedy
The rescue comes in the aftermath of a catastrophic event. On June 24, 2026, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. The disaster has resulted in at least 920 fatalities and over 3,360 injuries, as reported on June 26. These quakes are the most powerful recorded in the country since 1900.
La Guaira state endured some of the most severe destruction, with over 346 buildings collapsing nationwide. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared the area a "natural disaster zone."
El Salvador's Humanitarian Effort
In response to the crisis, El Salvador dispatched six planes carrying 300 rescue workers and 150 tons of equipment, forming one of the largest international aid contingents. The USAR team is composed of members from Civil Protection, the Armed Forces, the National Civil Police, the Fire Department, and the Salvadoran Red Cross.
On the same day, the Salvadoran team achieved another significant rescue by locating Camila Sofía Medina Rivas, a 15-year-old girl trapped on the ninth floor of the Bahía Mar building in La Guaira.
Over a thousand rescuers from 16 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Qatar, have been deployed to Venezuela to address the emergency.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a Red Alert, estimating a 42% probability that the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
Understanding the Venezuelan Earthquake Crisis
What was the magnitude of the Venezuelan earthquakes?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, striking just 39 seconds apart.
How many people have been affected by the earthquakes?
At least 920 people have died, and more than 3,360 have been injured due to the earthquakes.
What role did El Salvador play in the rescue operations?
El Salvador sent six planes with 300 rescuers and 150 tons of equipment to aid in the relief efforts, making it one of the largest international contingents on the ground.
Who was the woman rescued by the El Salvador team?
The woman rescued was Nayarit Colmenare, who was trapped under debris for over 48 hours.