Residents were photographed carrying dogs and other animals to safety after a powerful earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday.
The earthquake, which measured up to magnitude 7.5 according to international monitoring agencies, caused severe damage in several parts of the country and was felt across much of northern South America.
“It’s the strongest quake I’ve ever felt in my life,” journalist Nicole Kolster told BBC Mundo. “It was so strong that I thought the building was going to fall on top of me.”
She lives in Palos Grandes, a district in central Caracas which was hit hard by the earthquake. “There are people who are very sad, powerless because they couldn’t get their pets out,” Kolster said.
A video circulating on social media, showing an elderly man reportedly rescuing his dogs during the earthquake, attracted widespread attention online.
Local animal welfare groups have also started emergency rescue efforts following the earthquake. Temporary collection centers have been set up to provide food, clean drinking water, medical supplies and first aid for animals affected by the disaster.
Volunteers are also helping pet owners and rescuers by responding to requests for assistance and coordinating support for animals in need.
Can animals sense earthquakes before they happen?
Scientists have long studied reports of unusual animal behavior before earthquakes.
Many pet owners and farmers have reported seeing dogs barking excessively, cats hiding and birds becoming restless. Farmers have seen livestock behaving strangely before major earthquakes.
Researchers believe some animals may be able to detect early warning signs that humans cannot easily notice. These could include small ground vibrations, changes in air pressure or sounds at frequencies outside the range of human hearing.
