With fear and exhaustion hanging over Colombia's earthquake response, firefighters managed to pull a dog out of the rubble alive.
According to TODAY, the animal's survival is giving hope to relatives still waiting for word about loved ones as search crews move into a fourth day of work.
Here's what to know
On Aug. 13, 2026, TODAY reported that firefighters in Colombia had rescued a trapped dog while the recovery effort entered its fourth day.
The outlet said the wider search was becoming increasingly desperate as responders continued trying to find survivors after the earthquake.
More background
At least 181 people were killed, 2,595 were injured, and more than 1,000 homes were destroyed when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, the Associated Press reported.
By Aug. 13, the operation had already entered a prolonged phase after several days of intense searching.
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Dogs are often vital components of rescue missions after disasters like earthquakes and wildfires. In the aftermath of a major disaster, every second matters, and trained rescue animals can aid first responders in narrowing down where to dig, listen, and look for survivors.
After Venezuela's devastating June 24 earthquakes, a rescue dog named Tsunami led rescuers to nearly 30 survivors.
What's being done?
Rescue teams, including firefighters, are still searching through the rubble for more survivors, even as the passage of time makes the effort harder.
Crews must balance speed with safety, especially in unstable debris fields where further collapse can put both trapped survivors and responders at risk.
Ongoing emergency coordination includes maintaining rescue operations, supporting families awaiting information, and ensuring emergency workers are equipped for long shifts in dangerous conditions.
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