A newborn infant has been pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed hospital in Caracas, five days after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake devastated parts of Venezuela. British medical personnel operating in the region described the rescue as a miracle, though they cautioned that the child remains in a critical condition.
The earthquake struck on Tuesday evening, levelling buildings across the capital and killing an estimated 2,000 people. Among the structures destroyed was the Maternidad Concepción Palacios, a major maternity hospital. Rescue workers had been sifting through debris for survivors when they heard faint cries on Saturday afternoon.
A team of British medics, part of a larger international humanitarian contingent, were on site to provide trauma care. Dr. James Harding, a paediatrician from London, said the infant was found trapped beneath a concrete beam, shielded by the body of a woman presumed to be its mother. The baby is estimated to be less than 48 hours old, its umbilical cord still attached.
'To find a living newborn after nearly 120 hours is unprecedented in my experience,' Dr. Harding stated in a brief press conference. 'The infant is severely dehydrated and has sustained minor injuries, but there are no signs of major internal trauma. The team is providing intravenous fluids and monitoring for infection. We are cautiously optimistic, but the next 48 hours will be crucial.'
The rescue has provided a rare moment of hope in a nation grappling with widespread devastation. Venezuela's government has been criticised for its slow response to the disaster, with many survivors accusing authorities of neglect. The international community has pledged support, with the UK deploying a 50-person medical team and supplies.
The infant, whose name has not been released, is being treated in a temporary field hospital established by British military medics. The UK's ambassador to Venezuela, Sarah Mulford, visited the site this morning and described the rescue as a testament to the dedication of medical professionals.
The earthquake has exacerbated Venezuela's existing humanitarian crisis, which includes shortages of food, medicine, and electricity. The government has declared a state of emergency, but rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and a lack of heavy equipment.
The British medical team is expected to remain in the region for the forseeable future, focusing on triage and emergency surgery. Dr. Harding reiterated that while the newborn's survival is remarkable, the focus must remain on the thousands still missing. 'We are working against the clock,' he said.
