New Delhi:
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on Friday caused huge devastation, due to which tremors were felt in neighboring countries. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has released satellite photos of the damage caused by this disaster with the help of its state-of-the-art imaging satellite Cartosat-3. In these pictures, the scene of buildings, roads and historical sites collapsed in Mandalay and Sagaiing cities of Myanmar is clearly visible.
Cartosat-3 draws high-government photos
ISRO’s Cartosat-3 satellite, which was launched in 2019, is capable of taking pictures with less than 50 centimeters. This satellite took pictures of the affected areas of Myanmar from a height of 500 km. These include pictures of the huge Awa (Inva) bridge collapse on the Iravadi River. Apart from this, the damage done to Mandle University and Ananda Pagoda can also be seen in pictures. ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Center said that these pictures were taken on Saturday, while the loss was assessed by comparing the photos taken on 18 March.
Heavy damage in Mandalay and Sagaiing
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake focused at a depth of 10 km near the Sagying-Mandala border of Myanmar. This was followed by a strong shock of 6.4 magnitude. Mandalay, which is the second largest city in Myanmar, recorded heavy losses. Buildings, roads and infrastructure collapsed in other areas including the capital Nepyido. Earthquake tremors were felt to Chiang Mai and Northern parts of Thailand, where there are reports of damage in some places.
The photographs found the major places of Mandley such as Sky Villa, Fayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda and Mandle University either collapsing or partially damaged. Ma Xi Khana Pagoda, many monasteries and other buildings were also damaged in Sagaiing city.
Historical Awa bridge collapsed, cracks in river grounds
Satellite photographs revealed that the historic Ava (Inva) bridge over the Iravadi river collapsed completely due to the earthquake. This bridge was located near the city of Inva. Apart from this, cracks and soil (liquidation) marks were also seen in the flood affected plains of Iravadi river.
Why did the earthquake come?
According to ISRO assessment, Myanmar is located near the border of Indian and Eurasian plates, where the Indian plate is moving towards the Eurasian plate at a speed of about 5 cm every year. Apart from this, Myanmar also has many small active fault lines like Sagaiing Fault. This fault passes through Central Myanmar and balances the lateral speed between the two plates. ISRO believes that Friday’s earthquake came due to stress on the Sagaiing Fault or its support faults.
India extends a help to help
After the earthquake, India was one of the first countries to help Myanmar. Indian rescue teams and relief materials were immediately sent to the affected areas. This phenomenon has proved to be a major natural disaster for Myanmar, which may take a long time to overcome the effects. ISRO’s Cartosat-3 satellite has once again proved its technical ability.