NASA estimates nearly 59,000 buildings damaged after double earthquake in Venezuela
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- NASA's preliminary assessment, using European Sentinel-1 satellite radar imagery, estimates nearly 59,000 buildings were damaged by a recent double earthquake in Venezuela.
- The European Space Agency also detected millimeter-level ground deformations across a 210-kilometer stretch from Caracas to Puerto Cabello.
- This assessment provides an initial overview of the seismic event's impact on infrastructure.
A preliminary analysis by NASA, utilizing rapid processing of radar images from the European Sentinel-1 satellite, estimates that approximately 59,000 buildings sustained damage following a recent double earthquake in Venezuela. The assessment offers an initial, albeit experimental, overview of the seismic event's impact on the nation's infrastructure.
In parallel, the European Space Agency (ESA) detected ground deformations measuring in millimeters. These subtle shifts in the Earth's surface were observed across a significant axis spanning 210 kilometers, extending from the capital city of Caracas to Puerto Cabello. This data further illustrates the geological forces at play during the earthquakes.
The NASA assessment, based on satellite radar data, aims to provide a swift mapping of affected areas. While still considered experimental, this approach allows for a rapid understanding of the scale of damage, crucial for initial response and recovery efforts.
Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.