Rescue workers in Venezuela have pulled a two-year-old child from the rubble six days after a devastating earthquake struck the country's northern region. The child, identified as Sofia Ramirez, was found conscious and alert in the town of Carabobo, where the 7.3 magnitude quake caused widespread destruction. The United Kingdom has placed a medical team on standby to assist with the ongoing humanitarian response.
The rescue operation, led by Venezuelan civil defence units, has been ongoing since the quake hit six days ago. The child was trapped beneath a collapsed apartment block and was located using seismic listening devices. Her survival, despite the prolonged ordeal, has been described as a minor miracle by relief officials. She has been airlifted to a field hospital for assessment but is reported to be in stable condition.
The earthquake, which struck on Tuesday evening, has claimed over 400 lives and left thousands homeless. The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. The United Kingdom has responded by deploying an eighty-person medical team to the region, equipped with surgical capabilities and mobile clinics. They are currently on standby at a military airbase in Trinidad and Tobago, awaiting clearance to enter Venezuelan airspace.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the UK team may be deployed within the next 48 hours, pending approval from the Venezuelan authorities. The deployment is part of a coordinated international effort led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The British team includes doctors, nurses, and logistics specialists from the National Health Service and the Royal Air Force.
The rescue of Sofia Ramirez has boosted morale among rescue workers, who continue to search for survivors across the affected area. However, the window for finding further survivors is closing. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. The priority has shifted to providing medical care for the injured and shelter for the displaced.
International aid has begun to arrive, with shipments from the United States, China, and the European Union. The United Kingdom's contribution includes not only medical personnel but also supplies of clean water, tents, and blankets. The government has also pledged £5 million in humanitarian aid.
The situation in Venezuela remains fragile. The country was already contending with a severe economic crisis before the earthquake. The quake has exacerbated shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. The international community is urging all parties to facilitate access for humanitarian aid.
The UK medical team stands ready to deploy at short notice. Their presence underscores Britain's commitment to global humanitarian obligations. The rescue of Sofia Ramirez serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amid catastrophe.
