Venezuela was struck by two severe earthquakes on June 24, causing widespread destruction including the collapse of a shopping centre in La Guaira. In a remarkable turn of events, security guard Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was rescued alive after spending eight days beneath the rubble, emerging to celebrations from gathered onlookers as rescue teams extracted him from the debris.

Beyond the dramatic rescue, the disaster prompted international support efforts aimed at assisting affected communities. The rock band Rush contributed to relief initiatives by launching a special edition Starman merchandise item, with sales proceeds directed toward earthquake victims. The combination of survival stories and celebrity-backed fundraising initiatives underscored both the severity of the crisis and the coordinated response from rescue workers and public figures seeking to support Venezuela's recovery efforts.