Venezuela Earthquake Swarm: Satellite Data Reveals Over 58,000 Buildings Potentially Damaged

(CNA Washington, June 30, Foreign News) A preliminary assessment of satellite data released by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) indicates that the series of strong earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week may have caused damage or destruction to over 58,000 buildings.

According to Agence France-Presse, Venezuela was hit by a series of strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 last week, the strongest in the country in over a century, resulting in approximately 1,700 deaths and thousands of people missing.

NASA stated that its satellites "are providing critical support by capturing images and collecting data to assist on-site teams in assessing the disaster situation and guiding relief efforts."

According to researchers Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek from Oregon State University in the United States, based on an analysis of satellite radar data collected on June 25 (the day after the earthquakes), "approximately 58,870 buildings in the earthquake-affected areas may be damaged or destroyed."

The two researchers cited data from the European Space Agency's (ESA) high-resolution radar imaging satellite Sentinel-1 and stated, "This is only a preliminary, rapid assessment. It reflects abrupt changes on the ground consistent with building damage."

They also added that this data is for reference only and has not yet been verified on the ground. (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Chen Cheng-chien) 063006

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