Pregnant woman gives birth in Venezuelan earthquake ruins

A 19-year-old woman gave birth on a baseball field in Maiquetía, Venezuela, hours after twin earthquakes struck the northern coast on June 24. Eliana Garcia, 38 weeks pregnant, ran from her home with her family when the ground shook violently in La Guaira state.

As they reached the field with dozens of others avoiding collapsing buildings, she felt her water break. Doctors had scheduled a cesarean section for the following week because of her narrow pelvis, but contractions began immediately after the quakes.

Delivery without supplies A paramedic located by the family performed the delivery using only hand sanitizer for hygiene and cell phone lights for visibility. No water or surgical gloves were available. The infant was born on the field that afternoon.

The mother had been told natural delivery was not possible. The earthquakes damaged buildings across the coastal region, forcing residents outdoors for safety.