Three-year-old survives six days under Venezuela earthquake debris

A three-year-old child has been pulled alive from the rubble in Venezuela six days after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country's coastal region.

The child, identified by Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez as Kleiber Morán, was rescued by a Jordanian search-and-rescue team from the hard-hit coastal state of La Guaira, one of the areas worst affected by last week's twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.

Video footage released by authorities showed rescuers carefully lifting the child from the debris before providing emergency medical treatment. Kleiber was later transferred to a hospital in Caracas, where officials said he is in stable condition.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez described the rescue as "a moment of hope," saying it demonstrates that the possibility of finding more survivors has not yet vanished. Domestic and international rescue teams continue to search collapsed buildings despite diminishing prospects as the critical rescue window narrows.

Jordan's Civil Defence confirmed that the child received first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

The rescue comes amid mounting criticism over the Venezuelan government's handling of relief operations, with residents in La Guaira accusing authorities of delays and inadequate emergency response. In many neighbourhoods, volunteers and family members have continued searching through debris with limited equipment.

International rescue teams from more than a dozen countries, including the United States and Mexico, are assisting operations with trained search dogs, heavy machinery and specialist personnel. Emergency shelters have also been opened across La Guaira and other affected regions.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The United Nations has warned that thousands of survivors urgently need food, shelter and medical assistance following the disaster.

The death toll has climbed to 1,943, while more than 10,000 people have been injured. Thousands remain missing.

Preliminary satellite analysis by NASA indicates that nearly 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the earthquakes.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said food shortages have become severe, essential services have collapsed and communication networks remain largely disrupted, fuelling growing frustration among affected communities. The agency estimates it needs an initial $15 million to provide emergency shelter, protection and relief assistance for 30,000 survivors over the next six months.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Venezuela's healthcare system is under "extreme strain," with low vaccination coverage increasing the risk of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria and other infectious diseases.

The United Nations said 47 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including emergency medical kits, safe childbirth supplies and neonatal care equipment, arrived on Tuesday. Funeral arrangements for recovered victims have also begun, while thousands of families continue waiting for news of loved ones still trapped beneath the rubble.