A Venezuelan rescue dog has played a critical role in locating at least 13 survivors trapped under rubble following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country last week. The border collie, named Tsunami, worked alongside his handler, Jorge Beens, as part of the K-SAR ECID rescue canine unit during the disaster response.

The seismic events, described as a "doublet," involved two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart. These quakes caused extensive devastation across Venezuela, resulting in the collapse of approximately 250 buildings and the deaths of more than 1,700 people.

Tsunami utilized his acute sense of smell to detect signs of life beneath the debris, enabling rescue teams to focus their efforts on precise locations. One notable rescue involved a 60-year-old man who had been trapped for roughly six hours before being found. Tsunami’s efforts facilitated the extraction of multiple survivors, highlighting the essential role of trained search and rescue dogs in disaster zones.

This mission marked the final deployment for Tsunami, who is nine years old and slated for retirement after years of service. Throughout his career, Tsunami has been involved in various emergency operations, including earthquake responses in Turkey and Syria, as well as flood and landslide rescues within Venezuela.

Tsunami’s story began under difficult circumstances; as a puppy, he was found abandoned, severely malnourished, and abused in Caracas. Rescued by Anita Vidal, he was subsequently identified by Jorge Beens for his intelligence, energy, and agility. Following acceptance into the K-SAR ECID Disaster Canine Training Centre, Tsunami underwent extensive training to specialize in locating victims beneath collapsed structures.

After the recent earthquake mission, Tsunami was examined by veterinarian Anibal Hurtado, who noted that the dog was experiencing severe physical exhaustion. Following medical evaluation and treatment, including intravenous fluids, Tsunami was reported to be in good overall health. Officials confirmed that the recent deployment would be Tsunami’s last before retirement, concluding a distinguished career in disaster search and rescue.