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Travel & Experiences · 5 Intermediate · July 6, 2026

Survivor: Girl Rescued After Earthquake

Survivor: Girl Rescued After Earthquake
Photo: Serkan Gönültaş via Pexels

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Vocabulary

earthquake /ˈɜrθkweɪk/ noun
sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement under the earth's surface
The earthquake damaged many buildings in the city.
rubble /ˈrʌbəl/ noun
broken pieces of concrete, stone, and metal from destroyed buildings
Workers cleared the rubble from the collapsed building.
trapped /træpt/ adjective
unable to leave a place or situation because of being stuck
The man was trapped inside the car after the accident.
rescue /ˈrɛskju/ noun
the action of saving someone from danger or harm
The rescue operation took several hours.
collapse /kəˈlæps/ verb
to fall down suddenly and completely
The weak bridge collapsed under the heavy weight.
survive /sərˈvaɪv/ verb
to remain alive in a dangerous situation
She survived the accident without serious injuries.

Article

In June, two strong earthquakes shook Venezuela and caused serious damage to buildings. A young girl named Fabiana was trapped inside a collapsed apartment building. She spent more than one full day stuck under heavy concrete and metal pieces. Rescue workers searched carefully through the rubble to find people who were alive.

A Long Wait Underground

Fabiana was inside a ten-story apartment building when it fell down during the earthquakes. She became trapped in a small space beneath broken pieces of the building. For thirty-two hours, she waited in darkness and danger. During this time, she had very little food or water available to her.

Staying Alive

While waiting to be rescued, Fabiana needed to stay calm and conserve her energy. She found small amounts of food nearby, including ketchup and cheese. These simple foods helped keep her alive during the long hours underground. She remained brave and hoped that rescue workers would find her.

The Rescue

Emergency teams worked hard to reach people trapped in the building. They used special equipment and worked carefully to avoid causing more danger. When they finally found Fabiana, they brought her to safety. She survived her experience under the rubble.

An Inspiring Story

Fabiana's rescue showed the importance of never giving up hope. Her story inspired people around the world. It also showed how determined rescue workers are to save lives. Earthquakes are dangerous natural events, but quick action and teamwork can save people.

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you think helped Fabiana stay alive during her time trapped in the rubble?
  2. How would you feel if you were trapped in a dangerous situation? What would you do?
  3. Why is the work of rescue workers important during natural disasters?
  4. Have you experienced an earthquake or another natural disaster? What happened?
  5. What can people do to prepare for earthquakes in their communities?

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