April 1, 2025: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released satellite images capturing the widespread destruction caused by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. The powerful quake, followed by a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.4, resulted in severe damage across Myanmar and was felt in neighboring countries, including India and Thailand.

Using its high-resolution Earth imaging satellite, Cartosat-3, ISRO was able to capture detailed images from an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The satellite images reveal the collapse of a massive bridge over the Irrawaddy River, extensive damage to Mandalay University, and the destruction of the historic Ananda Pagoda, a significant Buddhist heritage site. These images, analyzed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage by comparing pre- and post-earthquake imagery of the affected areas, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing.

One of the most catastrophic impacts of the earthquake was the collapse of the Ava (InnWa) Bridge on the Irrawaddy River, a crucial transportation link. The floodplains of the Irrawaddy River also show signs of cracking and liquefaction, a phenomenon where saturated soil loses its strength due to intense shaking. Several iconic structures, including the Sky Villa, Phayani Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, and the University of Mandalay, have suffered severe damage, with some buildings facing partial or complete collapse. In Sagaing city, the Ma Shi Khana Pagoda and multiple monasteries have also been impacted, adding to the devastation caused by the disaster.

According to ISRO experts, Myanmar lies along the Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic boundary between the Indian and Eurasian Plates. The Indian Plate is continuously moving northward at a rate of 5 cm per year, and the release of accumulated stress along this fault line is believed to have triggered the recent earthquake. The region's vulnerability to seismic activity has once again been highlighted, with scientists closely monitoring the possibility of further aftershocks.

In response to the disaster, India was among the first countries to extend assistance to Myanmar by sending rescue teams, medical aid, and relief materials. As authorities assess the full extent of the damage, international organizations and neighboring nations are mobilizing support to help Myanmar recover from this devastating natural disaster.