Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: The Mustafabad building collapse site had four searchers in the debris whose capabilities no human rescuer could have matched.
Bella, Daisy, Rambo and Victor, all trained Labrador Retrievers, found eight victims and scoured the disaster site till they were sure there was no one stuck underneath the mountains of concrete.
The dogs were part of the National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) search and rescue K9 unit.
The collapse of the four-floor building killed 11 people. The dogs found seven of the bodies. One of them also saved the life of a woman trapped under the concrete.
The canines are specially trained to detect the scent of survivors trapped under the debris. Their capability often makes the difference between life and death.
Bella and Daisy led the initial search in Mustafabad. NDRF said that Bella, under the guidance of her handler Shivshankar, showcased exceptional skill and focus. At one point, she persistently barked, indicating to a specific section of the rubble. Acting on her signal, the rescue team began clearing the debris. Their quick response paid off. There was a woman alive under the heap. Her life was saved, thanks to Bella’s keen senses.
An NDRF official said the four dogs had completed a 56-week intense training at the 08 Battalion NDRF training centre in Ghaziabad. They graduated from that course in July 2024.
After their induction into NDRF’s 16 Battalion, they were part of several high-pressure missions across India, proving their worth in five to six critical operations.
The Mustafabad operation required long hours and the mastering of unstable terrain. The stakes were high. The four seemed undeterred and worked tirelessly into the night with their handlers.
After Bella and Daisy’s initial sweep, Rambo and Victor were deployed for a final verification to ensure that no survivor remained trapped under the rubble. Their search confirmed that the area was clear.
Dr Subhash Kumar, deputy commandant (veterinary) at the NDRF, emphasised the indispensable contribution of search and rescue (SAR) K9 units in emergency response situations. They bring unmatched capabilities in disaster zones because of their acute sense of smell, he said.
He also highlighted the critical bond between the dogs and their handlers, fostered through months of rigorous training and with mutual trust. It is a key element in their success, he said.
Mayank Rawat
