In the heart of Venezuela's tragedy, Erick Roa became a beacon of hope. After a series of violent earthquakes struck on June 24, Roa and a team of volunteer rescuers worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the rubble. Among those they saved was Pedro Cordido, who spent nearly 30 hours trapped under the ruins of a collapsed building in La Guaira.
A Desperate Cry for Help
Cordido's building, a 12-story structure, collapsed in seconds, leaving him pinned under sharp fragments in total darkness. His adopted son and daughter-in-law were lost in the disaster. In his darkest moment, Cordido heard Roa's voice—a lifeline in the chaos.
The Rescuers' Journey
Roa, a former military nurse, led a group of five volunteers who gathered in La Guaira, a popular beach resort 40 kilometers from Caracas. They formed a human chain in the pitch black, using only a small flashlight to navigate the treacherous conditions. Roa spent four and a half hours speaking to Cordido, keeping him awake and alive.
A Mission Driven by Faith
Roa's journey to becoming a rescuer is rooted in his faith. Two years ago, he attempted to take his own life, but an evangelical pastor intervened. This experience gave Roa a new purpose: to help others. His index finger bears a tattoo that reads 'Faith in God,' a reminder of his mission.
The Power of Community
Official figures indicate that nearly 6,500 people have been rescued, many by volunteer teams like Roa's. These rescuers worked without sophisticated equipment, relying solely on their determination and hands to pull lives from the rubble. Their efforts highlight the power of community and human spirit in the face of disaster.
A Message of Gratitude
After his rescue, Cordido expressed his profound gratitude to Roa. 'Brother, I truly love you. My God, your words when you found me, the way you acted... I truly have no words to thank you. There aren't any,' he said in a WhatsApp voice message. 'I never thought I would be rescued, and you arrived like an angel, opened the door, and said, I'm here to help you...' I love you, brother. I will love you forever.'
