Venezuela earthquake rescue dog Tsunami honoured with statue
Border Collie Tsunami, who helped save lives after Venezuela's June earthquake that killed over 6,500 people, has been immortalised with a bronze statue.
A dog named Tsunami, who helped save several lives during rescue operations after a devastating earthquake in Venezuela in June, has been given special honour. The Border Collie rescue dog provided major help to rescue teams in finding people trapped under debris.
To commemorate his work, a bronze statue of him has been installed in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. The devastating earthquake in June killed more than 6,500 people.
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck the northern part of Venezuela in quick succession. Several buildings collapsed, following which a large scale rescue operation was launched. Tsunami and his trainer Jorge Beens were part of this effort. Tracking human scent through the debris, Tsunami helped rescue teams determine where survivors were trapped. His precise detection helped several people buried in the rubble to be pulled out.
According to the rescue team, Tsunami has helped find at least 26 people alive across different disasters. His work drew particular attention after the June earthquake in Venezuela. Working under extremely difficult conditions in the rubble of collapsed buildings, he located signs of survivors in several spots, allowing rescue teams to dig in the right places and reach those trapped.
To keep the memory of his work alive, a bronze statue of Tsunami has been installed at Vereda del Lago park in Maracaibo. Tsunami himself was present at the unveiling along with his trainer Jorge Beens. Once rescued from a stray and difficult condition, the dog went on to become a trained rescue worker and a source of hope for many.
The honour given to Tsunami is being seen not just as praise for one dog, but as recognition of the contribution of dogs who risk their lives working alongside rescue teams during disasters.
