Over 58,000 Buildings Destroyed or Damaged in Venezuela Earthquakes, Satellite Data Shows
A preliminary satellite analysis estimates that about 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed by the twin earthquakes in Venezuela last week, far exceeding official figures. The disaster has killed at least 1,943 people and injured over 10,500.
The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, have caused far more destruction than initially reported. A rapid assessment of satellite data by researchers at Oregon State University indicates that approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed across the affected region.
Official estimates from Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, listed only 855 damaged buildings, including 189 total collapses. However, high-resolution radar imagery from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellites, analyzed the day after the quakes and released by NASA, suggests widespread devastation.
The earthquakes killed at least 1,943 people and injured more than 10,571, with tens of thousands still missing. The UN migration agency estimates that up to 6.8 million people may need shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare, and other essentials.
The World Health Organization has warned of potential disease outbreaks, citing low pre-quake vaccination rates and overwhelmed health facilities. Spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighted risks of measles, diphtheria, yellow fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
The government has militarized the hard-hit port city of La Guaira and imposed a permit requirement for entry. The US military repaired and reopened the city's port, where a warehouse now serves as a makeshift morgue. 27 countries have mobilized nearly 40 search and rescue teams, including over 2,000 troops and 160 dogs. The UN will provide 10,000 body bags.
Public anger is growing over the authorities' slow response. Daniela Mangiafico, whose grandmother and pets are missing, said help arrived too late. Volunteer rescuer Nicolás Serrato described the devastation as "truly brutal," noting that most homes and buildings are severely damaged or collapsed.
