The earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, left thousands dead and missing, becoming the worst seismic catastrophe in over a century.
Amid the horror, a story emerged that moved the world: that of Draco, a six-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who was rescued alive after being trapped for 12 days under rubble in Caraballeda, La Guaira state.
Draco’s Rescue
The dog’s family was searching for their grandmother and other missing pets when they heard a faint bark among the ruins. That sound led them to Draco, miraculously protected by a wardrobe that cushioned the weight of the debris.
A neighbor identified as Jair risked his life to pull him out from the collapsed walls. “Jair risked his life to save Draco, a demonstration of love. The good are more,” read the video shared by YOYOPRESS NOTICIAS.
After the rescue, Draco was attended to by the Veterinary Brigade and taken to an Emergency Center to continue his recovery.
Other Cases of Animal Survival
Draco’s case was not the only one:
- Milo, another dog, was rescued after 12 days under the rubble thanks to the Topos Azteca from Mexico and the USAR from El Salvador.
- Buddy, also a Yorkshire, survived eight days trapped in Caraballeda.
- Panchito, a parrot, lasted nine days, although he died from dehydration.
These stories reflect the resilience of animals and the efforts of international rescue teams.
The Impact of the Earthquake
The two quakes devastated La Guaira, where the soft ground and deep basin worsened the collapse of buildings. The official toll so far is staggering:
- 3,685 dead.
- 16,740 injured.
- 50,000 missing according to the UN.
- 158 of the 190 collapsed buildings concentrated in La Guaira.
The tragedy also exposed the institutional crisis:
- Of 300 seismic monitoring stations, fewer than ten remained operational under Funvisis management.
- The health system collapsed, forcing reliance on international aid.
- The slow government response and militarization in the distribution of supplies generated strong criticism and increased political disapproval.
Animals in Disaster Contexts
Draco’s rescue reminds us that animals are also victims in natural disasters. Their survival depends on the speed of operations and the solidarity of communities. In Venezuela, veterinary brigades and international organizations are working to assist dogs, cats, and birds affected by the earthquake.
Draco’s story is a symbol of hope amid the devastation. His rescue shows that every life matters and that solidarity can make a difference even in the darkest scenarios.
In a country struck by tragedy, these animal survival stories become reminders of humanity and resilience.
