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He survived 2 natural disasters in Venezuela's La Guaira. Now he vows never to return
By Fabiola Sánchez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
Venezuelan merchant Grian Serrano has survived two of the country's worst natural disasters: the devastating 1999 mudslides that ravaged the coastal state of La Guaira and, 26 years later, two powerful earthquakes that struck the same region.Bruised around his left eye and across much of his body...
Key takeaway The three were buried beneath rubble and twisted steel when their eight-story apartment building collapsed in the city of Caraballeda in La Guaira, the state hardest hit by the magnitude 7.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own experience with natural disasters, such as the 2002 floods that affected several neighborhoods, can provide a framework for understanding the trauma that Grian Serrano and his family have endured. The city's location in a flash flood-prone area makes it crucial for residents to be aware of the importance of disaster preparedness and emergency response plans. As Serrano's story highlights the devastating impact of earthquakes and mudslides, it also underscores the need for San Antonio to continue investing in its own disaster mitigation efforts, including flood control measures and emergency response training. Furthermore, the significant Venezuelan population in San Antonio may have personal connections to those affected by the earthquakes, making Serrano's story a poignant reminder of the local community's ties to international events. As the city looks to support those affected by the disasters, it may also consider providing resources and aid to Venezuelan families in San Antonio who may be struggling to cope with the aftermath.
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 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Venezuelan merchant Grian Serrano has survived two of the country's worst natural disasters: the devastating 1999 mudslides that ravaged the coastal state of La Guaira and, 26 years later, two powerful earthquakes that struck the same region.Bruised around his left eye and across much of his body...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fabiola Sánchez, 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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