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Woman Survives Five Days Beneath Edificio Nuevo León Debris following '85 earthquake: Rebeca Orozco's Remarkable Story

Woman recalls enduring five days buried in debris before eventual rescue

Woman Victim of '85 earthquake, Rebeca Orozco, endured 5 days trapped beneath the fallen Edificio...
Woman Victim of '85 earthquake, Rebeca Orozco, endured 5 days trapped beneath the fallen Edificio Nuevo León

Woman Survives Five Days Beneath Edificio Nuevo León Debris following '85 earthquake: Rebeca Orozco's Remarkable Story

Survivor's Story: Rebeca Orozco Barrientos and the 1985 Mexico City Earthquake

On a fateful day in September 1985, Mexico City was hit by a devastating earthquake. Among the many affected was Rebeca Orozco Barrientos, a survivor who found herself trapped under the rubble of the Nuevo León Building.

Forty years later, Rebeca's story continues to inspire. She was not alone in her ordeal. Her husband, Oscar, was with her throughout the harrowing five days they spent under the debris.

The earthquake struck suddenly, with the walls of the building collapsing around them. "Everything started to fall," Rebeca recalled. They were plunged into darkness, their world reduced to the confined space beneath the rubble.

Despite the dire circumstances, Rebeca and Oscar found a way to endure. They lived on hope and the memory of their loved ones. "Life is sustained in the memory of survivors and in the preparation of those to come," Rebeca said.

Their situation was precarious. There was water under the debris, making it seem as if they were on a boat. They experienced moments of desperation, but they never lost hope. Rebeca and Oscar started knocking back with a stone, their signal to the world that they were still alive.

The rescuers, aided by search dogs, heard their calls. They knew Rebeca and her husband were trapped and started knocking back in response. Light entered the rubble, followed by a camera with a lot of light. Finally, the rescuers located Rebeca and Oscar and told them they would be rescued.

Rebeca was rescued with spinal injuries, but her spirit remained unbroken. She expressed her gratitude towards the rescuers, thanking them for their tireless efforts.

Today, at 40 years old, Rebeca's message is one of strength and gratitude. She reminds us that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can prevail.

Tragically, the earthquake claimed the lives of approximately 10,000 people in Mexico City. No information was provided about the number of celebrities who died in the disaster.

Rebeca lost a hand during the earthquake, a physical reminder of the event that changed her life forever. Yet, she chooses to focus on the lessons she learned from the experience. "We must always be prepared," she said.

Rebeca's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome. Her courage and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for those who face adversity.

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