Venezuela earthquake relief sees 449 rescued animals and multinational rescue teams

On June 24 2026 a double quake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, killing at least 3,889 people, injuring 16,740 and leaving 17,907 without homes. The disaster prompted a large‑scale humanitarian response.

The Nevado Mission reported rescuing 449 companion animals and caring for 608 pets in the hardest‑hit La Guaira state. “Amid the rubble and uncertainty, love for the most vulnerable has become our greatest strength,” said mission president Maigualida Vargas. Notable animal rescues included a dog buried for seven days and a cat found alive after eleven days; 18 pets have been reunited with their owners.

International teams also deployed. Brazil’s rescue contingent completed 90 operations, extracting 23 victims and handing over 46 locations with possible survivors. Vietnam sent a 124‑personnel unit that worked ten days in La Guaira, locating and handing over 57 bodies, providing free medical care to 132 people, and delivering over 50 tonnes of food, water and medical supplies. The Vietnamese team was honoured with the “Hero of Venezuela” medals.

Human‑interest stories highlighted the role of pets: a 14‑year‑old survivor credited his dog for keeping him alive during a 12‑day entrapment, and a golden‑retriever protected a 7‑year‑old boy for six hours until rescuers arrived. These accounts underscored the emotional impact of the disaster on both people and animals.