NASA Analysis Suggests Massive Building Damage After Venezuela Quakes

More than 58,000 buildings across parts of Venezuela may have been damaged or destroyed following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country last week, according to a preliminary analysis based on satellite data from the United States space agency, NASA.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused widespread devastation. Authorities have so far recovered the bodies of at least 1,700 people, while thousands of others remain missing as rescue operations continue in the affected areas. The disaster is being described as the strongest earthquake to strike Venezuela in more than a century, raising fears that the final death toll and scale of destruction could rise significantly as emergency teams reach remote locations.

Researchers Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek of Oregon State University analysed satellite radar imagery collected on 25 June and estimated that approximately 58,870 buildings had either sustained damage or been completely destroyed. Their assessment was carried out using high-resolution radar images captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite, which is capable of detecting changes to the Earth’s surface even through cloud cover and in darkness.

The researchers stressed that their findings represent an initial assessment rather than a confirmed count. They cautioned that the estimate has not yet been verified through field inspections and should therefore be treated as an early indication of the disaster’s likely impact rather than a definitive figure.

The satellite-based analysis highlights the growing role of remote sensing technology in responding to major natural disasters. Such imagery allows scientists and emergency authorities to identify heavily affected areas rapidly, particularly when damaged roads, disrupted communications and difficult terrain delay conventional surveys on the ground.

Meanwhile, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said official reports received so far indicate that 855 buildings have been damaged, including 189 that have completely collapsed. The significant difference between the official tally and the satellite estimate reflects the fact that ground assessments are still under way and may take considerable time to cover all affected communities.

NASA said its Earth-observing satellites are continuing to collect imagery and other data to support emergency responders. The information is helping rescue teams assess the extent of the destruction, identify priority areas for assistance and guide ongoing search-and-rescue efforts as Venezuela confronts one of the most destructive natural disasters in its recent history.