How many buildings have collapsed in Venezuela?

The recent earthquakes that struck Venezuela have left a trail of devastation across multiple regions, particularly affecting coastal areas such as Catia la Mar, Caraballeda, and La Guaira. According to satellite imagery analyzed by the European Union's Copernicus program, 434 buildings have been completely destroyed, while an additional 1,304 structures show signs of damage. These figures represent a conservative estimate based on visual assessments of pre- and post-disaster satellite images. However, other organizations offer significantly higher numbers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that 9,868 buildings have been damaged or destroyed using data from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. This includes both partially damaged and fully collapsed structures. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Oregon suggest that up to 58,870 buildings might have suffered some level of damage, though they caution that this figure is derived from seismic intensity maps rather than direct observation.

The destruction has been most severe along the coastline, where many high-rise buildings were built directly on sedimentary deposits rather than solid ground. In the neighborhood of Punta de Brisas in Macuto, a row of multi-story buildings has been reduced to rubble. Similarly, in Caraballeda, which houses approximately 60,000 residents, several prominent residential complexes, including the Parque Caraballeda and the Residencias Mar Caribe, have been completely demolished. According to OCHA's analysis, 622 of the city’s 10,392 buildings have been affected, representing about six percent of the total. This is much lower compared to Catia la Mar, where nearly thirty percent of all buildings have collapsed.

The official death toll stands at 1,450, but experts warn that the true number could be significantly higher. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the earthquake's magnitude combined with the population density in the affected areas suggests that over 10,000 fatalities are possible, with some projections even reaching into the tens of thousands. Additionally, websites like "Venezuela te busca" have been used to report missing persons, providing insights into the most severely impacted areas. These reports indicate that the parishes of Catia la Mar and Caraballeda have the highest number of reported disappearances, suggesting these regions experienced the most intense impact.

This earthquake marks one of the most significant seismic events in the region in over a century. With a magnitude of 7.5, it surpasses the previous major quake recorded in 1900, which had a magnitude of 7.7 and resulted in around 25 deaths. Another notable earthquake occurred in 2018 with a magnitude of 7.3, although its depth made it less destructive, resulting in only five fatalities.

The structural failures observed during the earthquake raise questions about adherence to seismic building codes. Architect Susana Carrillo González notes that while Venezuela does have seismic regulations, such as the COVENIN 1756 standard, enforcement has been lacking. She highlights that the soil composition in cities like Caracas and La Guaira consists mainly of sediments, making them unsuitable for certain types of construction. Post-1999 landslide developments in La Guaira included very tall buildings constructed without proper foundation considerations, leading to vulnerabilities during seismic activity. The lack of government oversight and potential cost-cutting measures by construction companies further exacerbated the situation, contributing to the collapse of many buildings.

In Caracas, the geological conditions also played a role in the extent of damage. Areas such as Los Palos Grandes have layers of sediment up to 380 meters thick before reaching solid rock, necessitating thorough soil studies to determine appropriate building heights and foundations. The shallow depth of the recent earthquakes meant that their energy was transmitted more effectively through the soft soil, causing widespread shaking akin to a jelly-like movement.

Despite the devastation, there remains hope among families searching for loved ones lost in the disaster. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll of the tragedy, with individuals clinging to the possibility of finding survivors amidst the ruins. As efforts continue to assess the full scope of the damage and provide aid to those affected, the focus shifts toward understanding how future construction can better withstand seismic risks, ensuring that lessons learned from this catastrophe lead to improved safety standards and regulatory compliance.