NASA Satellite Data Estimates Nearly 59,000 Buildings Damaged in Venezuela Earthquakes

Preliminary satellite data published by the US space agency NASA indicates that approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed following the powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, the strongest to hit the country in more than a century, have killed around 1,700 people, while thousands remain missing.

The assessment, conducted by Oregon State University researchers Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek using radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite, was based on data collected on June 25, one day after the earthquakes. The researchers emphasized that the findings represent a rapid preliminary estimate of abrupt surface changes consistent with earthquake damage and have not yet been verified through ground inspections.

Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said authorities have confirmed damage to 855 buildings, including 189 that completely collapsed. NASA said its satellites are continuing to provide critical imagery and data to assist emergency responders and authorities in evaluating the disaster’s impact and guiding relief operations.