'We're going to keep going': Venezuelan quake rescuers soldier on

Two months after a series of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing thousands, volunteer rescuer Domingo Pacheco continues his relentless search for survivors buried under the rubble. The 53-year-old reached the hardest-hit coastal state of La Guaira in the aftermath of the quakes and has been tirelessly digging through the debris ever since.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors hit within a minute of each other on June 24, resulting in over 6,500 fatalities. Pacheco admits that the emotional toll of his work is difficult to bear, but he remains focused on his mission. During one intense day of searching, he experienced a momentary loss of consciousness due to the physical strain.

Pacheco volunteers with the Unified Rescue Group of Venezuela (GRUV), which has so far rescued 21 people alive and recovered 56 bodies. The group relies on donations to fund their efforts. The resilience of the families they encounter, who refuse to give up hope for their loved ones still trapped under the rubble, has deeply affected Pacheco.

He wonders when they will be able to close this tragic chapter and bring relief to those suffering from the loss of their family members. Locals like Viloria, who lost his sister and niece in the quake, express gratitude for the efforts of rescuers like Pacheco, acknowledging their bravery and selflessness. Despite the emotional challenges, Pacheco and his team are determined to continue their search until every possible victim has been found, as long as their physical strength allows.