How Long Can Trapped Earthquake Victims Survive? Survival Factors Explained

Earthquakes do not kill people— collapsing buildings and debris do. The greatest danger lies in the violent shaking that converts everyday environments into life-threatening hazards.

When buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure weaken and give out, they become the driving cause of fatalities and injuries. But for those who endure the initial tremors only to find themselves trapped beneath rubble, a harrowing question emerges— how long can they hold on?

The answer relies on several factors but showcases the remarkable resilience of the human body and spirit.

What is the Longest Someone Has Survived in an Earthquake?

Most rescues occur within the first 24 hours after a seismic event as emergency responders and civilian volunteers race against the clock to uncover life beneath the debris. Although the average window of survival drastically shrinks after the first few days, there are cases of victims emerging alive after obscene amounts of time buried beneath the devastation.