Emotional Support Animals in the Wake of a Deadly Earthquake
Thailand’s Search and Rescue Dogs Take on a New Role
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Bangkok, Thailand, a unique and heartwarming scene has unfolded. Thailand’s search and rescue dogs, trained to sniff out survivors, are now also providing emotional support to grieving relatives of victims.
A Deadly Earthquake in Bangkok
On Friday, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck neighboring Myanmar, with effects felt as far as the Thai capital. The 30-storey high-rise under construction collapsed in seconds, claiming the lives of 13 people, with nine injured and more than 70 still believed to be buried in the rubble.
Relatives Waiting with Fading Hopes
Their tearful families waited near the scene of the collapse, watching on with hopes fading as rescue workers and diggers scraped through the mountain of rubble. But, their faces lit up when they saw golden retrievers Lek and Safari, decked out in official search uniforms, brought to the relatives’ waiting area.
Canine Teams Deployed for Search and Rescue
Several canine teams have been deployed to help the search and rescue operation at the site, including from the military and police. Rescue workers have recruited 11 dogs, not just in their usual capacity sniffing through the debris for signs of life, but also as emotional support for victims’ friends and relatives.
The Power of Emotional Support
Alongkot Chukaew, deputy director of K9 USAR (urban search and rescue) Thailand, which handles the trained canines, shared his team’s experience during the Turkey earthquake in 2023. "The children whose families were lost, they walked over to our two dogs during their break. They came to play with our dogs, even as their head injuries were clearly visible," he said.
Conclusion
The deployment of search and rescue dogs in the wake of a deadly earthquake is a testament to the importance of emotional support in times of tragedy. These loyal and loving animals have the power to bring comfort and solace to those affected by disaster, serving as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
FAQs
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Bangkok?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7.
Q: How many people were killed in the collapse of the high-rise under construction?
A: 13 people were pronounced dead, with nine injured and more than 70 still believed to be buried in the rubble.
Q: How many dogs were deployed to help with the search and rescue operation?
A: 11 dogs were deployed, including golden retrievers Lek and Safari.
Q: What was the experience of the children whose families were lost in the earthquake?
A: They walked over to the dogs during their break, coming to play with the dogs, even with visible head injuries.