Aunt of Venezuelan Boy Rescued from Rubble Shares Emotional Reunion with BBC

Aunt of Venezuelan boy pulled – On Tuesday morning, Jordanian rescuers extracted a two-year-old boy from the ruins of his home in Venezuela’s northern La Guaira state, ending a six-day search. The boy, Kleiber Moran, was handed over to his aunt, Andreína Sarmiento, who described the moment as both joyous and bittersweet. Speaking to the BBC, Andreína recounted the intense emotions that surged through her when she learned of Kleiber’s survival. “I fell to the floor and wept,” she said, reflecting on the phone call that brought the news. “When I heard he had been found, everything inside me just broke.”

A Reunion Rooted in Family Bonds

Andreína, a 23-year-old woman, expressed her determination to care for Kleiber with the same devotion a mother would. “I will take him in with a mother’s warmth until my sister returns,” she said, emphasizing the family’s shared hope. Her sister, Ana Luz, Kleiber’s mother, remains missing after the earthquakes that struck the region last Wednesday. The aunt described how Kleiber, upon their reunion, instinctively called her “Auntie,” a gesture that underscored the deep connection between them.

“I’m praying a lot to God to give me strength because he is only two years old and I am not a mother.”

Andreína sat beside Kleiber in a Caracas hospital, clutching his hand as he recovered. She shared how Kleiber had arrived in a state of “shock, screaming and screaming,” yet by Wednesday, he had stabilized. “Today he’s giving me little kisses, he talks to me, and he tells me where it hurts,” she said, her voice tinged with both relief and sorrow. The child was wrapped in a Spiderman blanket, surrounded by toys, and pushing a small car along the hospital bed, a sight that brought a rare smile to her face.

The Rescuers and the Struggle for Survival

Andreína highlighted the efforts of international teams, including UK rescuers, who had initially tried to locate Kleiber before the Jordanian mission succeeded. “They worked tirelessly to save him,” she said, acknowledging the global support. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez hailed the rescue as “a source of hope for our people,” as the death toll from the earthquakes climbed. Official records show 2,295 confirmed fatalities, but the final number is expected to be far higher, with tens of thousands still unaccounted for.

As the search continued, Andreína’s words carried a mixture of gratitude and longing. “It hurts because I can’t find my sister,” she admitted, her voice trembling. The aunt and her older sister, Ana Luz, were inseparable, often speaking on video calls. “She is my older sister and I always trusted her,” Andreína said. “Whenever I called her, Kleiber was by her side. If she didn’t have money, she would call me: ‘Kleiber wants this’ or ‘he’s missing this.’”

“Wherever she went, her son went too. Whatever Kleiber wanted, she would please him.”

Kleiber’s parents, Ana Luz and Carlos, are still trapped beneath the rubble, their fate uncertain. Andreína, who was certain her sister would have been close to Kleiber during the disaster, said, “I believe she was next to him when the ground shook. She was always with him, protecting him.” This belief fueled her resolve to stay by Kleiber’s side, offering comfort and care as the world waited for more miracles.

A New Chapter for Kleiber

The family photo of Kleiber with his parents, Ana Luz and Carlos, now hangs in the hospital, a reminder of the life that was nearly lost. Andreína, looking affectionately at the child, said, “I believe he has a purpose in the world. When this child grows up, God willing, this will be his story.” Her words echoed the resilience of a community grappling with tragedy, where hope and heartbreak coexist.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his parents, Andreína remained hopeful. “Just as they found my nephew, I have faith they will find my sister and my brother-in-law,” she said, her tone steady. The UN has already begun procuring 10,000 body bags for the country, a grim preparation for the toll the earthquakes will ultimately exact. Yet, amid the devastation, Kleiber’s survival offered a flicker of light.

As Kleiber’s condition improved, Andreína’s focus remained on the future. She spoke of the joy she felt in holding him, the small moments that signaled his recovery. “He doesn’t even have a single fracture,” she said, her smile widening. “Everything is very good. All he has are some scratches on his arms and legs, but nothing more.” These words, though brief, carried the weight of a family’s unyielding hope.

A Story of Love and Loss

The aunt’s story mirrors that of many Venezuelans who have lost loved ones in the earthquakes. While Kleiber’s rescue brought a sense of closure, it also deepened the ache of separation. “It feels like she’s handing him over to me,” Andreína said, her voice breaking. “She always told me he was my son, and now it’s like she’s saying, ‘this is your responsibility.’”

Andreína’s emotional journey, from despair to hope, captured the essence of the crisis. She described how the rescue team’s efforts had become a lifeline, not just for Kleiber but for the entire community. “When I turned around, nothing was left,” she said, recalling the devastation that had unfolded. Her words, though personal, reflected the shared experience of millions who had lost homes, livelihoods, and family members in the disaster.

The rescue of Kleiber Moran serves as a symbol of humanity’s ability to endure. His survival, after being buried for six days, is a testament to the courage of the rescuers and the unbreakable bond of family. While the road to recovery is long, Andreína’s devotion to her nephew offers a glimpse of the strength that will carry Venezuelans through this dark chapter.

Additional reporting by Euridice Ledezma. In a separate account, a three-year-old boy was also rescued and taken to the hospital six days after the earthquake, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Another family’s story, where a mother survived with her newborn baby, was shared with the BBC, detailing how the child had helped her endure the ordeal. These narratives, though distinct, intertwine to paint a picture of survival, loss, and the enduring power of love in the face of disaster.