This is the heartwarming moment soldiers save a golden retriever that was buried in rubble for more than 30 hours after a devastating earthquake hit China.
At least 148 people have been killed after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit northwest China on Monday, causing tens of millions in damage in the agricultural and fisheries industries.
This footage shows a poor pooch stuck in the mud, completely trapped under piles of concrete.
But, after its owner heard it barking from under the rubble of their wrecked home in Minhe Hui and Tu, in China’s Qinghai Province, he immediately contacted the rescuers.
Smartphone footage recorded nearly 30 hours after the quake shows rescuers reaching under a cement slab and pulling the dehydrated animal out, to the utter joy of locals.
The rescuers used shovels and iron rods to excavate a narrow opening in the debris, clearing away mud to maintain an accessible passage.
After several hours of hard efforts, they managed to rescue the golden retriever safely.
Following the successful rescue mission, the animal was taken to a nearby vet clinic for medical attention.
The footage, which was shared on China’s version of TikTok, Douyin, moved social media users who praised the rescuers for their brave act.
One user wrote: ‘The earth does not only belong to humans. Search and rescue dogs save people, and armed police soldiers save dogs. This is how the world should be.’
Another said: ‘Rescue warriors, you have worked hard. You are the best people and real heroes. I salute you! It’s really amazing that a dog is so strong. Make sure to treat it well.’
A third also added: ‘This is the greatest kindness that humans can show to animals!’
It is estimated that nearly 1,000 people were injured and more than 14,000 homes were destroyed after the earthquake.
CGTN, the Chinese state broadcaster´s international arm, said the first batch of 500 temporary housing units had been built for residents in Meipo, a village in Gansu, on Friday night.
Many had spent the night in shelters set up in the area as temperatures plunged well below freezing. Funerals were held, some following the Muslim traditions of much of the population in the affected area.
Most of China´s earthquakes strike in the western part of the country, including Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, as well as the Xinjiang region and Tibet. The latest quake was the deadliest one in the country in nine years.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
