International rescue teams have identified signs of life from 21 individuals trapped beneath the rubble of the Oasis Beach building, situated in the Playa Grande area of La Guaira, Venezuela, nine days following the catastrophic dual earthquake that hit the nation.
The initial signs of life in this building surfaced on June 27, when messages were transmitted from within using radio and WhatsApp communication.
Days later, it was confirmed that among those trapped is Vice Admiral Gustavo Romero Matamoros, the director of the La Guaira Police. He managed to reach his wife using radio transceivers and Morse code signals, indicating he was with 20 other individuals in an "air pocket" formed amidst the debris.
The local government had declared him deceased prior to this revelation.
According to a report recorded at 7:26 AM on Thursday, July 2 from Playa Grande, rescuers from Taiwan—who arrived the previous day—and teams from El Salvador are on-site, collaborating with two Mexican underground rescue specialists, known as "topos," one of whom is Mr. Aranza.
"There are reportedly at least 21 people here, and the work being done by the Taiwanese rescuers is commendable, alongside two Mexican topos, including Mr. Aranza," stated the journalist present at the scene.
The primary technical hurdle is the instability of the reinforced concrete slabs, which hampers progress without risking the lives of the survivors.
"They are working to find a way to move the debris without impacting the air pocket that is believed to be protecting these individuals," the on-site reporter explained. Trained dogs assist in pinpointing the exact location of the trapped individuals.
A crucial factor in the return of international teams to the building was the determination of the victims' families.
"The persistence of the families in searching for life, doing the work with their hands, their nails, and the efforts of volunteers from other regions has been crucial in bringing international rescuers back to this site," the journalist emphasized.
According to the experience of the Mexican Topos, the survival threshold in catastrophes of this magnitude can extend from 10 to 15 days if there are minimal conditions for ventilation and hydration, keeping the hope of a successful rescue alive.
The twin earthquakes on June 24, 2026—two quakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 separated by only 39 seconds—are the most devastating seismic disaster in Venezuela since 1900.
As of July 1, the official toll had risen to 2,295 dead, over 11,000 injured, and approximately 50,000 missing, according to UN estimates.
The Cuban community has also suffered significantly from the tragedy: a Cuban family of six was found deceased beneath the rubble of Oasis Beach and nearby buildings, and at least 21 Cubans remain missing in La Guaira.
Among them is 10-year-old Dayán Martínez, confirmed alive in the Coral Beach building in Los Corales, where rescuers continue their efforts to reach him.
Over 2,200 rescuers from 17 countries and 137 trained dogs are involved in the rescue operations across the Venezuelan territory, marking one of the largest rescue operations in recent Latin American history.
Key Information on the La Guaira Earthquake Rescue Efforts
Who is leading the rescue operations in La Guaira?
The rescue operations in La Guaira are being led by international teams, including rescuers from Taiwan, El Salvador, and Mexican underground rescue specialists, known as "topos."
How many people are trapped under the rubble in Oasis Beach?
It is estimated that 21 people are trapped under the rubble of the Oasis Beach building in La Guaira.
What challenges do rescuers face in La Guaira?
Rescuers face significant challenges due to the instability of the reinforced concrete slabs, making it difficult to progress without endangering the lives of those trapped.