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'Truly a miracle': Resilient dog rescued from rubble after being pinned under building for 22 days following deadly earthquake

The husky, named Alex, was reportedly inside the debris of a two-story building for over 20 days before he was brought to safety on Tuesday, February 28

HATAY, TURKEY: In a phenomenal incident, a dog’s life was saved by rescue workers in Turkey as they were looking for a place to make a temporary shelter for earthquake survivors. The husky, named Alex, was reportedly inside the debris of a two-story building for over 20 days before he was brought to safety on Tuesday, February 28.

The New York Post reported that the volunteers were working near Antakya in the Hatay province of Turkey when they heard his whining. They then went under the debris to find the dog and after one-and-a-half hours of work, Alex was finally discovered. It has been said that after coming out of danger, the canine first thanked his savior by licking his face.

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‘It was a miracle’

The brown-and-white blue-eyed dog was then transported to the HAYTAP Field hospital for his medical check-up. As per reports, because of all the trauma, and no food and water, Alex was indeed weak and exhausted but there was nothing serious regarding his health.

According to HAYTAP volunteer Osman Polat, “It was a miracle indeed. It is truly a miracle that he survived in that hole for 22 days without eating or drinking anything.” 

Meanwhile, the region from where Alex was rescued is said to be one of the most affected places wrecked by the natural calamity that shook parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6. Over 50,000 people have reportedly lost their lives since then.

‘They were holding each other in bed with concrete on top'

This comes days after a newly-wed pair was found dead “holding each other in bed” after the 7.8 magnitude quake in Turkey. The Florida duo — Alex and Veronika Ilg — were reportedly in Iskenderun when the unfortunate incident happened. It has been said that they were found on February 8.

Alex's best friend, Vasilious Poulos, reportedly shared, “Alex's brother with the rescue team found him under the rubble and confirmed they were still in bed, confirmed they were holding each other in bed with concrete on top. They didn't even have a chance to get up, just maybe think, shaking, what's going on, and lights out. He didn't deserve it.”

Poulos continued, “Alex's brother dug up their mother the day before, so the mother died as well,” before adding, “For the last decade, Alex was someone I spoke to a dozen times a day for various reasons. When someone is that embedded in your daily life it’s confusing when you lose them. It doesn’t make sense.”

The friend also started a GoFundMe in remembrance of Alex and noted, “The people of Turkey NEED supplies, blankets, coats, and shelter. If Alex were here, I cannot imagine the lengths he would be going to to help his family, friends, neighbors, and community. I feel obligated to ensure the local communities get all the help they can get. Even a few dollars helps.”