Paws of Hope: Heroic Search and Rescue Dogs Rush to Gamagori Landslide Scene
Search and rescue dog working at a landslide site in Takeya-cho, Gamagori City (Provided)
Toyohashi’s “HDS K9” appeals for understanding of its activities
A search and rescue dog from the Toyohashi City citizen group “HDS K9” found a missing person in the landslide disaster that occurred in Gamagori City on the night of August 27. The group is calling for understanding and cooperation in its activities.
According to the group, they learned about the landslide on the news and offered their cooperation to Gamagori City Hall. They arrived at the city hall with the three dogs at around 2:20 a.m. on the 28th. They were escorted by the police to the scene and began the search at around 4 a.m.
Soon after, Labrador retriever Sue and Belgian shepherd Ritter started barking in the same area, signaling the presence of a human, which was reported to the local command center. A search at around 10:30 a.m. also showed the same reaction. Although they withdrew for a time, they were called out to search again in the evening. Two men in their 70s and 30s were found in the area where the dogs reacted, but unfortunately they were confirmed dead.
The group was also deployed to the mudslide disaster in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2022 and the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January this year, searching for missing people and rescuing people. The chances of saving lives are increased if dogs can be deployed to disaster sites early. In order for private organizations to enter disaster sites in the early stages of a disaster, the understanding and cooperation of public institutions is essential.
Supporting companies and crowdfunding are also seeking donations.
Also, because they are positioned as volunteers, fundraising is always an issue. They are looking for sponsor companies that will continue to support them. They are raising funds for this deployment through crowdfunding (CF) = QR code =. They would also be grateful for support in the form of equipment and clothing, and the provision of a training ground.
He also called out media organizations. During the search, he said he spotted someone who appeared to be a journalist at the top of the slope where the landslide occurred. “It’s dangerous, and if something were to happen, we would have to use personnel engaged in search and rescue,” he said. He added, “When a news helicopter approaches, it becomes impossible to hear the voices and breathing of those in need of rescue, as well as the rumbling of the ground and other warning sounds of a disaster. I would like them to refrain from approaching until at least the missing people have been found and rescued.”
[Yamada Kazuaki]
Toyohashi’s “HDS K9” appeals for understanding of its activities
A search and rescue dog from the Toyohashi City citizen group “HDS K9” found a missing person in the landslide disaster that occurred in Gamagori City on the night of August 27. The group is calling for understanding and cooperation in its activities.
According to the group, they learned about the landslide on the news and offered their cooperation to Gamagori City Hall. They arrived at the city hall with the three dogs at around 2:20 a.m. on the 28th. They were escorted by the police to the scene and began the search at around 4 a.m.
Soon after, Labrador retriever Sue and Belgian shepherd Ritter started barking in the same area, signaling the presence of a human, which was reported to the local command center. A search at around 10:30 a.m. also showed the same reaction. Although they withdrew for a time, they were called out to search again in the evening. Two men in their 70s and 30s were found in the area where the dogs reacted, but unfortunately they were confirmed dead.
The group was also deployed to the mudslide disaster in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2022 and the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January this year, searching for missing people and rescuing people. The chances of saving lives are increased if dogs can be deployed to disaster sites early. In order for private organizations to enter disaster sites in the early stages of a disaster, the understanding and cooperation of public institutions is essential.
Supporting companies and crowdfunding are also seeking donations.
Also, because they are positioned as volunteers, fundraising is always an issue. They are looking for sponsor companies that will continue to support them. They are raising funds for this deployment through crowdfunding (CF) = QR code =. They would also be grateful for support in the form of equipment and clothing, and the provision of a training ground.
He also called out media organizations. During the search, he said he spotted someone who appeared to be a journalist at the top of the slope where the landslide occurred. “It’s dangerous, and if something were to happen, we would have to use personnel engaged in search and rescue,” he said. He added, “When a news helicopter approaches, it becomes impossible to hear the voices and breathing of those in need of rescue, as well as the rumbling of the ground and other warning sounds of a disaster. I would like them to refrain from approaching until at least the missing people have been found and rescued.”
[Yamada Kazuaki]
Search and rescue dog working at a landslide site in Takeya-cho, Gamagori City (Provided)