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 Tomball News
The story of Grian Serrano, a Venezuelan merchant who survived two devastating natural disasters, resonates with the Houston area's own experience with disasters. As a community that has faced the aftermath of hurricanes like Harvey, Tomball residents can empathize with the trauma and resilience of those affected by such events. The fact that Serrano's family was forced to flee their home and rely on the help of others to survive is a stark reminder of the importance of community support and disaster preparedness. In Tomball, where many residents have experienced the impact of severe weather, Serrano's story may prompt reflection on the city's own emergency response plans and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and social services to support those affected by disasters. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to consider the lessons learned from disasters like the ones Serrano endured.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 / 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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fabiola Sánchez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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