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 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 The Pearland
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela's La Guaira state have a direct connection to Pearland , as many residents in the Houston area, including Pearland, have family ties to Venezuela. The Venezuelan community in Pearland may be particularly affected by the news of the earthquakes, with some possibly having loved ones in the affected areas. The story of Grian Serrano's survival and his decision to never return to La Guaira may resonate with locals who have experienced the trauma of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, which affected Pearland in 2017. The resilience and determination of Serrano and his family may serve as a reminder to Pearland residents of the importance of community and support in the face of disaster. As the Venezuelan community in Pearland comes together to support those affected by the earthquakes, local organizations and businesses may play a crucial role in providing aid and assistance.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fabiola Sánchez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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