Satellite analysis found that building damage from the successive powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela may far exceed the government's official tally.
The Guardian reported on the 30th (local time), citing analysis released by NASA, that an Oregon State University research team analyzed Sentinel-1 satellite radar images from the European Space Agency (ESA) and found that about 58,870 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed.
That sharply contrasts with the official damage figures announced by Venezuelan authorities. Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, earlier said 855 buildings were damaged, of which 189 completely collapsed. The Guardian said the satellite data indicates the actual toll may be far higher than the government's announcement.
On the 24th (local time), magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession. As of now, 1,943 deaths and 10,571 injuries have been officially confirmed. With tens of thousands reported missing, the death toll could rise further.