A dog named Milo was miraculously saved this Monday after spending 12 days beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela. This remarkable survival story marks the longest documented animal rescue since the devastating twin earthquakes that struck on June 24, 2026.
The rescue was carried out by a binational team featuring the Topos Azteca from Nayarit, Mexico, and the Search and Rescue Unit of El Salvador. A critical role was played by a K9 unit that managed to locate the dog amidst tons of debris.
Milo was discovered on the fourth floor of the collapsed structure, making his survival even more extraordinary.
"After 12 days trapped, we rescued Milo, the dog found on the fourth floor of a collapsed building in Venezuela. The team included Topos Azteca and USAR El Salvador, with significant support from Nayarit," wrote rescuer Pablo Vega on his Instagram, where a video of the rescue has garnered over 36,000 likes.
According to the Instagram account @yosoydenayarit, brothers Ángel and Pablo Vega from Nayarit led the team working with the Salvadoran crew.
The video captures the emotional reaction of the rescuers upon finding the animal alive: "No, no, no, we need to give him water," one rescuer exclaimed as they immediately provided the dog with water.
Following the rescue, Milo was taken for evaluation by veterinary professionals, as stated by the same source.
Milo's survival of 12 days surpasses previous animal rescues during this disaster. Buddy the dog was found alive on July 3 after being trapped for eight days in Caraballeda, and Panchito the parrot survived nine days before being rescued by the Miranda State Fire Department. Milo's endurance outshines them all.
These animal rescue stories have become beacons of hope amid a catastrophe of historical proportions.
The two earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, rocked northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart, marking the strongest recorded in the country since 1900, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
La Guaira was the hardest-hit area, with over 250 buildings crumbling. The official Venezuelan death toll stands at 3,535, with 16,740 injuries, while the United Nations estimates between 50,000 and 68,000 people missing—a figure not officially confirmed by Nicolás Maduro's government.
The Topos Azteca arrived in Venezuela on June 27 with a contingent of about 20 rescuers. This mission was their third in the country, following the Cariaco earthquake in 1997 and the Vargas landslide in 1999.
On June 27, the USAR team from El Salvador also rescued 15-year-old Camila Sofía Medina Rivas and her dog. This was the same team involved in Milo's rescue.
"Great job by our Topos Nayaritas!" celebrated the @yosoydenayarit account as they shared images of the puppy saved from the wreckage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milo's Rescue
How long was Milo trapped under the rubble?
Milo was trapped for an astounding 12 days before being rescued.
Who were involved in the rescue operation?
The rescue was conducted by a binational team consisting of Topos Azteca from Nayarit, Mexico, and the Search and Rescue Unit of El Salvador, with crucial assistance from a K9 unit.
What makes Milo's rescue significant?
Milo's rescue is significant because it marks the longest documented survival of an animal trapped in the debris since the June 24, 2026, earthquakes.