Venezuela: Total or Partial Damage to More Than 58,000 Buildings Due to the Earthquakes

SadaNews - The powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week caused damage or destruction to more than 58,000 buildings, according to an initial assessment of satellite data released by the U.S. space agency (NASA).

Approximately 1,700 people have died, while thousands remain missing following the earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, marking the strongest quakes to hit the South American country in over a century.

Researchers Corey Shir and Jamon Van Den Hoek from Oregon State University noted that "around 58,870 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the affected area," based on radar data captured by satellites on June 25, the day after the earthquakes occurred.

The researchers relied on data from the European Space Agency's "Sentinel-1" satellite, equipped with high-resolution radar technology.

The researchers stated that "this is a quick preliminary assessment; it reflects a sudden change in the earth's surface consistent with damage occurring," adding that this figure should be viewed as an indicator only and has not been verified on the ground.

The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, reported on Monday that 855 buildings had been damaged, including 189 that completely collapsed.

NASA stated that its satellites "provide vital support, capturing images and data to assist field teams in assessing impacts and guiding response efforts."