The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which claimed over 1,700 lives, has been visually documented by Isro’s Cartosat-3 satellite. The images reveal widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, which was near the earthquake’s epicenter. The capital, Naypyidaw, and other surrounding areas also suffered significant damage, including collapsed roads, infrastructure, and buildings.

The satellite captured notable landmarks like the Sky Villa, Mahamuni Pagoda, and University of Mandalay, showing varying degrees of destruction. The Sagaing region also witnessed damage to several monasteries and pagodas. One of the most striking images shows the complete collapse of the historic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River.

The earthquake’s impact was not confined to Myanmar alone. Neighboring Thailand also felt the tremors, with areas like Chiang Mai reporting significant shaking. Isro attributes the cause of the quake to the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates near Myanmar, particularly the Sagaing Fault, which accommodates lateral motion between these plates.

The images also revealed ground ruptures along the Irrawaddy River floodplain, caused by the stress release from the fault. The disaster was followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock.