Heroic American rescue teams pull infant alive from rubble days after Venezuela earthquakes

CARACAS, VENEZUELA: American search-and-rescue teams pulled an infant alive from beneath the rubble in Venezuela days after the country's devastating earthquakes, the US Department of State said Saturday.

The State Department shared video on social media showing US personnel extracting the infant from the wreckage as rescue crews continued searching for survivors more than 72 hours after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American country.

Death toll climbs as thousands remain missing

"Against impossible odds, hope endures," the State Department wrote on X.

"American search and rescue teams rescued an infant from beneath the rubble following the earthquake in Venezuela. Every life saved is a victory."

The White House also shared the video, calling it "America at its best" and thanking the rescue teams involved.

The rescue came as emergency crews raced against time to locate survivors before the critical rescue window closes.

"Thank you to the American search and rescue teams providing assistance in Venezuela," the White House wrote.

Round-the-clock rescue efforts have continued since magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela's northern coast Wednesday.

As of Saturday evening, officials said the death toll had reached 1,430, with 243 people reported rescued earlier in the day.

According to the Associated Press, more than 68,000 people remain missing across the country. Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that timeframe. Venezuelan officials said 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 rescue personnel arrived Saturday to assist with search-and-rescue operations.

US deploys hundreds of personnel, canine teams to disaster zone

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Virginia, California and Florida were dispatched to Venezuela on Friday to help search collapsed buildings.

According to the State Department, the three USAR teams include 312 personnel and 18 canine teams, including firefighters, physicians, structural engineers and canine search specialists.

The teams also deployed more than 200,000 pounds of specialized rescue equipment.

The Los Angeles County contingent alone includes 73 members equipped with concrete-breaking tools and specialized listening devices used to detect survivors trapped beneath debris.

Rescuers have fanned out across La Guaira, where the worst destruction occurred, and parts of Caracas, where families and volunteers have spent days pulling survivors and victims from collapsed structures.

The United States has pledged $150 million in emergency assistance to support international relief organizations responding to the disaster.

After acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez said in an address on state television early Thursday that more than 160 people have died and at least 971 were injured during the quakes, The Associated Press reported.

Trump said he instructed all federal agencies “to get ready to move quickly” in response to the earthquakes.

“We will be there for our new and great friends,” he added. “Early reports are not good!!!”

Early Thursday morning, Rodríguez thanked Trump for his offer and noted US officials “have been in constant contact” with authorities from her country.

“Venezuela will never forget the helping hand extended to our people during these difficult times,” she wrote on the social platform X.