The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has released dramatic before-and-after satellite images of the landslide at Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. These images offer a stark portrayal of the devastation caused by a recent debris flow, underscoring the severity of the disaster.
The NRSC’s images, captured by the Cartosat 3 and RISAT satellites, provide a comprehensive view of the landslide’s impact. The pre-disaster images taken on May 22, 2023, contrast sharply with the post-disaster images captured on July 31, 2023, following the landslide. The contrast between these images reveals the substantial alterations to the landscape caused by the event.
The imagery shows that approximately 86,000 square meters of land has been displaced. The landslide affected an area stretching 8 km from the top of the hill to the run-out zone. This significant land shift highlights the massive scale of the landslide and its impact on the region.
According to NRSC, the landslide was triggered by intense rainfall, which activated a major debris flow in and around Chooralmala. The RISAT satellite’s post-disaster images depict extensive damage, including the breaking of the bank of the Iruvanjippuzha river, which contributed to the severity of the disaster.
The landslide has caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in the affected area. The impact of the debris flow has led to substantial disruption, affecting the lives of residents and the region’s overall infrastructure.
The NRSC has established a ground station to monitor satellite updates and generate data products related to disaster management. This facility plays a crucial role in spreading information among users and providing support for remote sensing applications. The ground station’s work is vital for disaster management efforts, providing real-time data and aiding in the response to such catastrophic events.
The use of satellite imagery in disaster management offers significant advantages, allowing for precise monitoring of affected areas and facilitating timely responses. The NRSC’s role in this context underscores the importance of advanced remote sensing technology in managing and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
The release of these satellite images by ISRO highlights the devastating impact of the landslide at Chooralmala and provides valuable insights into the extent of the damage. The contrast between pre- and post-disaster images underscores the scale of the disaster and the critical need for effective disaster management and response strategies.
The NRSC’s efforts in using satellite technology to monitor and respond to such events demonstrate the importance of remote sensing in disaster management. As the situation evolves, the data provided by these images will be crucial in guiding recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.