Rescue dog Tsunami becomes symbol of hope in Venezuela

A search-and-rescue dog named Tsunami has become a symbol of hope in Venezuela after helping save 26 people in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck the country in late June.

“In the face of the tragedy that unfolded in Venezuela, Tsunami has become a symbol of hope. This brave search dog, together with her handler, continues to help save people’s lives under the rubble,” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez wrote on Telegram.

Jorge Bins, head of a canine disaster response unit, said Tsunami played a key role in rescue operations, including saving 16 people in La Guaira state, the region hardest hit by the disaster and now designated a disaster zone.

The nine-year-old border collie, recognisable for her black-and-white coat and different-colored eyes, was once a stray rescued by volunteers. After undergoing specialised training at a disaster response dog centre, Tsunami took part in international rescue missions, including operations following the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, where she helped save dozens of lives.

The earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, with two powerful tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded roughly 40 seconds apart. The epicentres were located about 10 kilometres apart in Yaracuy state.

As of July 3, official figures show that 2,695 people were killed and 12,666 injured. Search-and-rescue teams have pulled 6,462 people alive from the rubble.

By Tamilla Hasanova