'They do most of the job, we just support them': Rescue dogs saved dozens of lives after quakes

 Photo: AA

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Some 388 specially trained dogs from 47 countries have taken part in rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes in southern Türkiye on February 6.

With their ability to enter places that are too narrow or dangerous for humans, dogs have played a significant role in rescue efforts.

Pablo Garcia, a member of a rescue team from Mexico, told Türkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) that the dogs were trained to distinguish between human and other odors and trace humans using remains of clothing.

"These dogs are important because they help us in detecting people's locations. It saves time as the smell reaches deeper than the sound," he said. "Mexican search and rescue dogs are renowned for their training and work. They're renowned because they do most of the job, actually, we just support them."

A dog named Proteo, which was part of a 150-people rescue team from Mexico, died during the rescue work.

More than 41,000 people have been killed in the double earthquake that affected 10 provinces in türkiye's south and southeast, with over 100,000 buildings collapsed or severely damaged.

(TY/VK)