‘Everything collapsed in five seconds’ – Venezuela earthquake survivor recalls her ordeal

Twin earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in 1,430 deaths and 68,900 people unaccounted for. A young survivor, Andrea Valentina Canonico, described her experience of being trapped for two days beneath the rubble of her collapsed apartment building in La Guaira. She recounted the rapid collapse of her building and the fear and darkness she endured while injured and awaiting rescue.

• The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has reached 1,430.
• At least 68,900 people remain unaccounted for.
• A young survivor, Andrea Valentina Canonico, spent two days trapped under rubble.
• She described the building collapse as happening in about five seconds.
• Valentina was trapped with an injured leg amidst debris and smoke.
• Her mobile phone provided a sense of time until its battery died, leaving her in complete darkness.
• Rescue operations are ongoing, but hopes of finding survivors are diminishing.