local
He survived 2 natural disasters in Venezuela's La Guaira. Now he vows never to return
By Fabiola Sánchez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
Venezuelan merchant Grian Serrano has survived two of the country's worst natural disasters: the devastating 1999 mudslides that ravaged the coastal state of La Guaira and, 26 years later, two powerful earthquakes that struck the same region.Bruised around his left eye and across much of his body...
Key takeaway The three were buried beneath rubble and twisted steel when their eight-story apartment building collapsed in the city of Caraballeda in La Guaira, the state hardest hit by the magnitude 7.
Why this matters in Sugar Land News
The story of Grian Serrano's survival in Venezuela's La Guaira state has a direct connection to the Sugar Land community, where many Venezuelan immigrants have settled. As Serrano recounts his harrowing experiences, it's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who have fled their homeland in search of safety and stability. Sugar Land's own Venezuelan population may be closely following the developments in La Guaira, worrying about family and friends affected by the earthquakes. The city's community organizations and churches may be called upon to provide support and aid to those impacted by the disaster, highlighting the need for local resources and services to help newcomers navigate their new lives in the Houston area. As Serrano vows never to return to La Guaira, his story may resonate with Sugar Land residents who have also experienced the trauma of displacement and the struggle to rebuild their lives in a new country.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Venezuelan merchant Grian Serrano has survived two of the country's worst natural disasters: the devastating 1999 mudslides that ravaged the coastal state of La Guaira and, 26 years later, two powerful earthquakes that struck the same region.Bruised around his left eye and across much of his body...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fabiola Sánchez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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