The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale — that struck Venezuela on June 24 has surpassed 1,900, according to the latest figures released on Monday (June 30) by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. Authorities now report at least 1,943 deaths and 10,571 injuries, as the situation remains extremely critical. At the same time, grave concerns are mounting that the final death toll will rise significantly, with the fate of more than 50,000 people still unknown.
Read more: Venezuela: More than 58,000 buildings destroyed by earthquake across the country, according to satellite data
Venezuela earthquakes: NASA estimates nearly 59,000 buildings damaged
Nearly 59,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the twin earthquakes, according to a preliminary analysis of satellite data published by NASA.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and striking just 39 seconds apart, were the most powerful to hit the country in more than a century. Researchers Corey Ser and Jamon van den Hoek from Oregon State University estimate that approximately 58,870 buildings were damaged or collapsed in the affected areas. The assessment is based on radar data captured by satellites on June 25, one day after the deadly earthquakes struck.
Investigadores de la @NASA calculan que 58,870 edificios fueron dañados o destruidos por los dos terremotos que azotaron el centro y el norte de Venezuela 🇻🇪
📹: Según la evaluación preliminar basada en imágenes de radar del Sentinel-1 de la Agencia Espacial Europea, hay cambios… pic.twitter.com/Q9mDfUu8wB— Fernando Pérez Corona (@ferperezcorona) June 30, 2026
The analysis drew on data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite, which is equipped with high-resolution radar capable of detecting changes on the Earth’s surface. The scientists stress, however, that this is a preliminary rapid assessment, capturing sudden surface changes consistent with widespread destruction. They caution that the figures should be treated as indicative, as they have not yet been confirmed by on-the-ground inspections.
#BREAKING NASA researchers estimate that around 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the twin earthquakes that struck central and northern #Venezuela, based on satellite radar data.
The rapid preliminary assessment used Sentinel-1 radar imagery from the European Space… pic.twitter.com/SQAGBVQ76W
— Global OSINT (@GlobalOSINTHQ) June 30, 2026
Venezuelan authorities, meanwhile, offered a far more conservative assessment. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez stated on Monday that damage has been recorded in 855 buildings, of which 189 have completely collapsed.
NASA has emphasized that its satellites play a critical role in natural disaster response operations, providing imagery and data that help rescue teams assess the extent of the damage and more effectively coordinate search-and-rescue and relief efforts.
