A child pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building in Caracas has found refuge with an aunt after losing both parents in the earthquake that struck Venezuela on Tuesday. The 6-year-old girl, identified only as Maria, was rescued after 14 hours trapped beneath concrete slabs. Her aunt, speaking to reporters at a temporary shelter, said she was providing what she called a mother’s warmth in the absence of her sibling. The story has become a symbol of resilience in a disaster that has claimed at least 342 lives, according to initial government figures.
The United Kingdom has pledged £5 million in emergency relief, the Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday. The funds will be channelled through the Red Cross and the UN’s World Food Programme, with a focus on providing clean water, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. The pledge comes as international rescue teams from Mexico, Chile, and Spain continue to work alongside Venezuelan civil defence units. The UK’s contribution is part of a coordinated response led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The earthquake, magnitude 7.4, struck at 8:47 pm local time on Tuesday, with its epicentre 35 kilometres north-east of Caracas. The tremor toppled hundreds of buildings, including schools and hospitals, and triggered landslides in the surrounding hills. Rescue efforts have been hampered by aftershocks and damaged infrastructure. More than 1,200 people have been reported injured, and the death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach remote areas.
The political context is delicate. Venezuela’s government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has faced international sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The UK’s humanitarian aid is explicitly non-political, with officials stating that it is directed solely at alleviating civilian suffering. The Maduro administration has welcomed the assistance but has also criticised what it calls the West’s previous lack of solidarity.
Maria’s aunt, who has requested anonymity for the child’s safety, described the moment of rescue: “She was calling for her mother. I held her and told her I would never let go.” The child has been treated for dehydration and minor injuries. Doctors say her physical recovery is likely, though psychological support will be needed. The Red Cross has set up a dedicated unit for children separated from their families.
The UK’s £5 million pledge includes £2 million for emergency food aid, £1.5 million for water and sanitation, and £1.5 million for medical kits and mobile clinics. The funds will be disbursed over the next six months. The British ambassador to Venezuela, Andrew M. Smith, said in a statement: “The United Kingdom stands with the Venezuelan people in this hour of need. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones.”
International aid agencies have warned of a secondary crisis as damaged water infrastructure risks cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization has dispatched a team of epidemiologists to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has declared a 30-day state of emergency and has mobilised the military to support relief efforts.
Maria’s story has resonated globally, with images of her rescue broadcast on networks worldwide. Her aunt, a factory worker, is now caring for her alongside her own two children. She told reporters: “We have lost a sister and a brother-in-law, but we are together. That is what matters.”
