Cat Rescued After Two Weeks Trapped in Rubble From Italian Earthquake

A cat named Pietro has been rescued from rubble 15 days after an earthquake hit central Italy, causing the death of 292 people and demolishing several small towns in the region.

Firefighters heard a faint meowing sound coming from the rubble in Amatrice, a beauty spot and popular holiday destination which was particularly affected by the quake.

After spending time sifting through the rubble, they eventually uncovered the cat’s head and then, thanks to a team effort, successfully freed his trapped body. It is believed he survived by drinking rainwater.

The Associated Press reports that Pietro was taken to a veterinarian in the city of Rieti diagnosed with dehydration and suffering from a fractured jaw.

Just one day before, another cat was rescued from rubble in the Italian town of Accumuli – 14 days after the disaster struck.