International rescue teams saved a mixed-breed dog named Milo after he spent 12 days [1] trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

The rescue serves as a rare moment of hope amid the devastation caused by the earthquake that struck Venezuela earlier this month. While human casualties remain the primary focus of emergency efforts, the survival of an animal after nearly two weeks highlights the persistence of search-and-rescue operations in the region.

Emergency crews located the dog on June 25, 2026 [2], while conducting operations in Caracas [3]. The rescue took place during a complex operation to clear debris from buildings that fell during the tremors. International teams were deployed to the area to assist local authorities in locating survivors through the wreckage.

Milo remained trapped for 12 days [1] before rescuers were able to reach him. The dog was found alive despite the prolonged period without consistent food or water. The operation to extract him required careful navigation of the unstable debris to ensure the safety of both the animal and the rescue personnel.

Reports on the exact location of the most intense damage vary. While some sources place the rescue in Caracas [3], other reports indicate that La Guaira was among the most affected areas of the earthquake. The coordinated effort between local and international teams has continued to search for other possible survivors under the ruins of the city's infrastructure.

Rescuers said the discovery of the dog occurred while they were scanning the area for signs of life. The operation underscores the difficulty of the recovery phase, as teams must sift through thousands of tons of concrete, and steel to find those still trapped.

“Milo was rescued alive after being trapped for 12 days under the rubble”

The survival of an animal for 12 days in the ruins of Caracas demonstrates the critical window for search-and-rescue operations. While the probability of finding human survivors decreases significantly after the first week, this event validates the continued use of international specialized teams to probe deep rubble, as the environment can occasionally provide pockets of survival against extreme odds.