Veterinary clinic staff in Medellín evacuated hospitalized animals during a magnitude-7.4 earthquake [1] on Monday morning, Aug. 10 [2].
The rescue efforts highlight the vulnerability of animals during natural disasters and the risks taken by first responders to protect non-human patients.
The earthquake struck Medellín, Antioquia, causing strong shaking across the region [3]. At a local veterinary clinic, staff reacted quickly to move animals out of the facility to ensure their safety [4]. While some animals were successfully evacuated, reports indicate one woman remained inside the clinic to protect dogs that were too difficult to move alone [5].
No injuries were reported at the veterinary clinic following the evacuation [6]. However, the broader impact of the disaster across Colombia was severe. The earthquake left more than 200 people dead and thousands of others affected [7].
Videos of the evacuation and the staff member staying with the animals have since gone viral on social media [5]. The footage shows the chaotic environment of the clinic during the tremors and the efforts of the staff to manage the frightened animals.
Emergency protocols for veterinary clinics often struggle during high-magnitude events, as animals can become unpredictable or immobile. In this instance, the combination of rapid evacuation and the decision of one staff member to stay behind prevented further casualties at the facility [6].
“Veterinary clinic staff in Medellín evacuated hospitalized animals during a magnitude-7.4 earthquake”
This event underscores a critical gap in urban disaster planning regarding the evacuation of specialized care facilities for animals. While the immediate actions of the Medellín staff prevented clinic casualties, the reliance on individual heroism—such as a staff member staying behind in a damaged building—indicates a need for more robust, systemic evacuation protocols for veterinary hospitals in seismic zones.
