The twin powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week caused damage or destruction to more than 58,000 buildings, according to preliminary satellite data assessments released by NASA.
Approximately 1,700 people have died, and thousands remain missing following the earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. These are the strongest earthquakes to hit the South American country in over a century.
Researchers Corey Shier and Jamon Van Den Hoek from "Oregon State University" reported that "nearly 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the affected area," based on radar data captured by satellites on June 25, the day after the earthquakes.
The researchers based their findings on data from the "Sentinel-1" satellite of the European Space Agency, equipped with high-resolution radar technology.
The researchers wrote that "this is a preliminary and rapid assessment; it reflects a sudden change in the Earth's surface consistent with damage," adding that this number should be taken as an indicator only and has not been field-verified.
Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reported on Monday that 855 buildings were damaged, including 189 that completely collapsed.
NASA stated that its satellites "provide critical support by capturing images and data to help field teams assess the impacts and guide response efforts."