Reading Passage

Hernán Gil Flores, a 33-year-old security guard, was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed multi-storey car park in La Guaira, Venezuela, after being trapped for eight days following devastating earthquakes that struck the country's northern coast on June 26-27, 2026.

Rescuers from Chile's International Search and Rescue team heard faint tapping sounds coming from beneath the concrete and metal debris. When they investigated, they found Gil drawing pictures to pass the time while trapped in a small air pocket that had formed when his security cabin shielded him from crushing debris.

"I need you to keep the goggles on to stop the small particles that are falling from getting into your eyes," a rescuer told him as she helped him put on protective goggles before bringing him to safety.

Gil had been sketching in a notebook, using the activity to maintain his spirits and mental health during his ordeal. The drawings showed his determination to survive and his hope of being reunited with his family.

The earthquakes, which hit with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, killed almost 2,200 people, injured more than 11,000 others and left tens of thousands missing. Satellite data suggests more than 58,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed.

The World Food Programme has launched an appeal for $50 million to provide food assistance to approximately 500,000 people affected by the disaster for the next three months.

Vocabulary

Grammar Points

Exercises

Part A: Vocabulary (5 questions)

1. The rescuers heard ______ sounds coming from under the rubble. a) loud b) faint c) loud d) echoing
2. Gil was ______ for eight days before being rescued. a) trapped b) free c) sleeping d) eating
3. The earthquakes caused ______ damage to the coastal region. a) minor b) devastating c) slight d) minimal
4. The rescue team provided ______ to the affected families. a) harm b) danger c) assistance d) danger
5. Many people became ______ after their homes were destroyed. a) wealthy b) homeless c) famous d) busy

Part B: Grammar (5 questions)

1. By the time rescuers arrived, Gil ______ (draw) pictures for three days. a) was drawing b) drew c) had been drawing d) is drawing
2. More than 58,000 buildings ______ (damage) by the earthquakes. a) damage b) damaged c) were damaged d) are damaging
3. The situation ______ (improve) as more aid arrives. a) is improving b) improved c) will improve d) improves
4. Rescuers heard tapping sounds, which ______ (mean) someone was alive. a) means b) meant c) meaning d) to mean
5. Gil ______ (sketch) in his notebook to pass the time. a) was sketching b) sketched c) has sketched d) sketches

Part C: Reading Comprehension (5 questions)

1. How long was Hernán Gil Flores trapped before being rescued? a) 3 days b) 5 days c) 8 days d) 10 days
2. What was Gil doing to pass the time while trapped? a) Sleeping b) Drawing pictures c) Singing d) Writing a diary
3. Which organization launched a $50 million appeal for aid? a) Red Cross b) World Food Programme c) UNICEF d) WHO
4. What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela? a) 5.2 and 5.5 b) 6.2 and 6.5 c) 7.2 and 7.5 d) 8.2 and 8.5
5. What did a rescuer tell Gil to wear to protect his eyes? a) Helmet b) Gloves c) Goggles d) Mask

Answer Key

Part A: Vocabulary

1. b) faint
2. a) trapped
3. b) devastating
4. c) assistance
5. b) homeless

Part B: Grammar

1. c) had been drawing
2. c) were damaged
3. a) is improving
4. b) meant
5. a) was sketching

Part C: Reading Comprehension

1. c) 8 days
2. b) Drawing pictures
3. b) World Food Programme
4. c) 7.2 and 7.5
5. c) Goggles

Created for Personal Hub English Learning Section • Ngày tạo: 3 tháng 7 năm 2026

Based on the Venezuela earthquake rescue story from July 2026