ISRO Releases Satellite Images of Myanmar Earthquake Devastation
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released satellite images revealing the widespread destruction caused by the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, shaking neighboring countries as well.
Captured using ISRO’s advanced Earth imaging satellite, Cartosat-3, which offers high-resolution images of less than 50 centimeters, the photos provide a detailed aerial view from an altitude of 500 kilometers. The images highlight significant structural damage, including the collapse of a massive bridge over the Irrawaddy River, destruction at Mandalay University, and the crumbling of the historic Ananda Pagoda.
ISRO stated that Cartosat-3, launched in 2019, is a third-generation, highly advanced Earth imaging satellite. The space agency rarely releases images from this sophisticated system.
According to the National Remote Sensing Centre, a division of ISRO, post-disaster images from Cartosat-3 were captured on Saturday over Myanmar’s cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. For damage assessment, these images were compared with data from March 18, which covered the same area. The analysis revealed significant infrastructure damage in Mandalay.
Extensive Damage in Mandalay and Sagaing Following Myanmar Earthquake
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km near the Sagaing-Mandalay border. Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, suffered severe destruction.
The quake also shook the capital, Naypyidaw, and other regions, causing the collapse of roads, infrastructure, and residential buildings. Tremors were felt not only across Myanmar but also in neighboring countries, reaching as far as Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, where some areas reported damage.
Satellite images revealed widespread destruction in Mandalay, with significant damage to landmarks such as Sky Villa, Phayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, and the University of Mandalay. Some structures suffered partial collapse, while others were completely destroyed.
In Sagaing, the Ma Shi Khana Pagoda, several monasteries, and numerous buildings sustained heavy damage, further highlighting the earthquake’s devastating impact.
Mandalay Suffers Extensive Damage from Myanmar Earthquake
Satellite imagery revealed that the earthquake caused the collapse of the historic Ava (InnWa) Bridge over the Irrawaddy River near Inn Wa City. Cracks and signs of liquefaction were also observed in the river’s floodplains, further highlighting the seismic impact.
In its damage assessment, ISRO explained that Myanmar is located near the convergent boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates, where the Indian Plate moves northward at a rate of approximately 5 cm per year. Additionally, Myanmar is intersected by multiple fault zones, including the Sagaing Fault, a major active strike-slip fault running through central Myanmar.
Friday’s earthquake was likely triggered by the release of accumulated stress along the Sagaing Fault or its subsidiary faults.
India was among the first countries to dispatch rescue teams and humanitarian aid to Myanmar in the aftermath of the disaster.
