A six-year-old dog named Buddy was miraculously rescued on Thursday in Caraballeda, a coastal town in the Venezuelan state of La Guaira, after being trapped for eight days beneath the debris of his collapsed home.
The dramatic rescue was captured by the AP news agency, providing a rare moment of hope amid the widespread devastation caused by the June 24 earthquakes.
Unwavering Search for a Beloved Pet
Buddy's owner, Gabriela Alves, tirelessly searched for him after the dual tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. These quakes destroyed hundreds of structures and left thousands of families homeless.
The video of Buddy's rescue features a voice crying out: “Here he is, here he is, Budi, Budi, we're here, we're here, eight days later, eight days later, here is Budi, calm down, Budi, calm down, Budi, we're here, eight days later, let's go Budi, Budi here, incredible.”
Other Heartfelt Rescues Amidst the Tragedy
Buddy's rescue was not the only event that moved Venezuela that day. Also on Thursday, Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, was pulled out alive after spending eight days under 140 tons of rubble in Catia La Mar. The operation involved over 100 rescuers from ten different countries and lasted more than 100 hours.
The June 24 quakes are considered the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which issued a Red Alert. The state of La Guaira was declared a disaster zone, with more than 100 buildings demolished, and Caraballeda being one of the hardest-hit areas.
International Aid and Community Resilience
As of Thursday, the official toll reported by interim President Delcy Rodríguez included 2,595 fatalities, 12,400 injured, and 6,462 people rescued alive. Early estimates by the UN suggested as many as 50,000 people might be missing, underscoring the enormity of the disaster.
International aid was extensive, with 3,000 rescuers from 33 countries dispatched to the disaster zone, along with 137 trained search dogs.
Among the international teams were brigades from El Salvador, which conducted another emotional rescue days earlier by freeing a dog named Chanel and her teenage owner from the Bahía Mar building in Caraballeda.
The week following the quakes saw a series of rescues capturing global attention: three siblings in the Mansión Charaima, an 18-day-old baby with his mother, a young boy named Carlos Miguel Colmenares after five days in Macuto, and Venezuelan Belkys Barreto after 86 hours under the Breogán building rubble. In this relentless search effort, Buddy's rescue became a symbol of endurance.
Calls for Increased Government Aid
Residents of La Guaira, however, have voiced concerns over delays in receiving government aid. "We need help beyond Tanaguarena, Quebrada Seca, Osma, Oritapo, Todasana. Those communities were not affected, but people are desperately asking for help because there is no food," said local merchant Joel Sojo Sánchez to EFE.
As rescue operations continue, hope remains for finding more survivors, including a child who has been trapped for nine days, with international teams persistently working in Venezuela.
Understanding the Venezuelan Earthquakes and Rescue Efforts
How long was Buddy trapped under the rubble?
Buddy was trapped under the rubble for eight days before being rescued.
How many countries participated in the rescue efforts?
Rescue efforts involved participants from 33 countries.
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.
What was the extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes?
The earthquakes resulted in over 100 buildings collapsing and significant casualties and injuries.