In the wake of a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released satellite images showcasing the widespread devastation caused by the natural disaster. A strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4 followed shortly after the main tremor, further intensifying the impact on the region.
Using its advanced Cartosat-3 satellite, which is capable of capturing images with a resolution of under 50 centimeters from an altitude of 500 kilometers, ISRO has provided a detailed view of the destruction. The images highlight significant damage, including the collapse of a large bridge over the Irrawaddy River, extensive destruction at Mandalay University, and the partial collapse of the historic Ananda Pagoda.
Cartosat-3, launched in 2019, is a third-generation, agile Earth imaging satellite known for its exceptional precision and advanced capabilities. The satellite's imagery is rarely released by ISRO, making this a valuable contribution to understanding the scale of the disaster.
The National Remote Sensing Centre, a branch of ISRO, confirmed that the satellite images were taken on Saturday, covering areas in the cities of Mandalay and Sagaing. In addition, Cartosat-3 data from March 18 was used for comparison to assess the changes and damage caused by the earthquake. The analysis revealed significant infrastructure damage, particularly in Mandalay city, underscoring the widespread impact of the seismic event.
This imagery from ISRO offers critical insights into the destruction caused by the earthquake, aiding relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)