local
After an earthquake, how long can trapped victims survive?
By Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 3 min read
For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air.If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say.In Venezuela, rescue teams have bee...
Key takeaway More than 770 buildings were totally or partially collapsed from the earthquakes, and aftershocks continued to shake the region.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own experience with disaster response can inform the approach to earthquake preparedness and rescue efforts. While earthquakes are less common in Texas, the city's emergency management teams have dealt with other disasters, such as floods and wildfires, that require similar rescue and relief strategies. The importance of having a well-coordinated response, as seen in the Venezuelan earthquakes, cannot be overstated. In San Antonio, this means ensuring that local emergency responders are trained to handle complex rescue operations and that the community is educated on how to respond in the event of a disaster. Additionally, the city's building codes and inspection protocols can help mitigate the risk of building collapses, creating more survivable void spaces for those trapped. By learning from disasters in other parts of the world, San Antonio can refine its own emergency preparedness and response plans to better protect its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For those trapped in rubble after an earthquake, survival depends on many factors, including weather and access to water and air.If their injuries aren't too severe, victims can survive for a week or more, assuming the weather isn't too hot or cold, experts say.In Venezuela, rescue teams have bee...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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