Karina Bechara reunites with rescuers after surviving Venezuela's June earthquake

On 24 June, a magnitude‑7 double earthquake struck La Guaira state in Venezuela, collapsing the Mar de Leva residences in Caraballeda. Survivor Karina Bechara spent 23 hours under the rubble, lost both legs, and was pulled to safety by the volunteer rescue group Ángeles de la Autopista.

A month after the disaster, Bechara met the rescuers again. They presented her with a badge and a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her perseverance. She thanked the team, saying, “Fall is allowed, getting up is mandatory,” and called the rescuers “inspiration for many.” The rescue team highlighted the joint effort that enabled them to save her, noting she was the first person they extracted in the early hours after the quake.