Spanish actress Penélope Cruz has shared a touching message of encouragement with Fabiana Blanco, the 12-year-old Venezuelan girl whose remarkable survival after spending 32 hours trapped beneath the rubble of her apartment building has become a symbol of hope following Venezuela's devastating earthquakes.
The Oscar-winning actress recorded a heartfelt video dedicated to Fabiana, praising the young survivor's courage, optimism, and determination after enduring one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in decades. The message comes as Venezuela continues to mourn thousands of lives lost while communities begin the long road to recovery.
© Getty Images for SiriusXMPenélope Cruz's Inspiring Message to Earthquake Survivor Fabiana Blanco
In her emotional message, Cruz told Fabiana that her story has inspired people around the world. "Hi, Fabi. I'm sending you a very, very big kiss. I want you to know that your smile is on everyone's mind. Your messages, your words, your strength, and your bravery have deeply moved us and taught us a valuable lesson. I can't wait to meet you. I've been told that you want to become an actress, and I'm sure you're going to do very well and that you'll achieve all of your dreams."
Cruz also encouraged the young girl to continue pursuing her dream of becoming an actress, expressing confidence that Fabiana's resilience would help her accomplish her goals.
Fabiana Blanco's Incredible Survival Story
Fabiana Blanco was home alone in the coastal town of Caraballeda, located in Venezuela's La Guaira state, when disaster struck on June 24. A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the region, followed only seconds later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, with La Guaira becoming the hardest-hit area.
According to reports from El Diario, moments before her apartment building collapsed, Fabiana instinctively ran into the kitchen for safety. Within seconds, the structure came crashing down, trapping her beneath tons of concrete and debris.
© GettyHer mother, Karina Blanco, rushed to the collapsed building and desperately pleaded with rescue crews to continue searching after learning her daughter had managed to signal that she was still alive beneath the rubble.
Despite the terrifying conditions, Fabiana remained calm and hopeful throughout the ordeal. According to People, she survived by consuming small amounts of food she found trapped with her, including ketchup and grated cheese, while waiting for rescuers to reach her.
A Rescue That Inspired Millions
After more than 32 hours of relentless searching, rescue teams and volunteers managed to dig a tunnel through the collapsed building and finally reached Fabiana.
Video of the dramatic rescue quickly spread across social media, showing the moment rescuers located the smiling 12-year-old beneath the debris. Her positive attitude despite everything she had endured touched viewers around the world.
Fabiana was pulled from the rubble alive with only minor injuries, including wounds caused by falling debris. She was one of only three people rescued alive from the 10-story apartment building, where approximately 50 residents had been living before the collapse.
Venezuela Continues to Recover From Deadly Earthquakes
The June 24 earthquakes rank among the most devastating natural disasters in Venezuela's modern history. As of July 7, Venezuelan authorities have confirmed 3,685 deaths and 16,740 injuries, while thousands more people have been displaced after homes and buildings were destroyed. Rescue operations have gradually transitioned into recovery efforts as international emergency teams complete their missions.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe tragedy has also sparked an extraordinary wave of solidarity. Dozens of Venezuelan artists, actors, musicians, and public figures living abroad have organized fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and humanitarian initiatives to provide emergency supplies, medical assistance, and shelter for families affected by the disaster.
