CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela — Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling days-long operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.

Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira.

Rescuers initially made contact with him over the weekend.

International rescue team carries an earthquake survivor on a stretcher in Catia La Mar, Venezuela.AFP via Getty Images
Hernan Gil, who survived Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, is shown wearing an oxygen mask and neck brace as he is assisted by international rescue teams.AFP via Getty Images

Teams carrying flags from across the world cheered as rescuers carried Gil, wearing an oxygen mask on a stretcher covered in an orange tarp, through throngs of people into a Red Cross ambulance.

A group of men in red Costa Rican Red Cross uniforms embraced and laughed in relief, while others broke out into applause.

The rescue was considered a small miracle cutting through a week of tragedy.