Myanmar Earthquake Aftermath: Satellite Images Show Huge-Scale Destruction

The stench of decaying dead bodies permeated the air in Mandalay– Myanmar’s second-largest city– on Sunday.

As rescuers worked frantically to clear rubble in the hope of finding people still alive, two days after a massive earthquake killed at least 1,700 people and left countless others buried. The initial 7.7-magnitude quake struck midday Friday with an epicenter near Mandalay, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.

The strong tremors downed collapsed buildings, downed bridges, buckled roads and damaged other infrastructure in the city of more than 1.7 million people. The quake also jolted neighbouring Thailand, where at least 17 in Bangkok.

Most residents in Mandalay spent the night sleeping on the streets, either left homeless by the quake or worried that the continuing aftershocks might cause structures left unstable to collapse. A 5.1 magnitude aftershock Sunday afternoon prompted screams from those in the streets, and then the work continued.

Satellite Images Released
Satellite images of Myanmar show the aftermath of the earthquake that damaged critical infrastructure, including airports, highways, and bridges, hindering the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.

Footage from Naypyitaw International Airport shows that its control tower fell due to strong jolts. Due to damage at the airport, flights carrying rescue teams from India and China had to land at the airport in Yangon instead of going directly to the major stricken cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw.

They also show destruction and devastation at the Masoeyein Monastery and surrounding areas, where historical infrastructure and vegetation have been impacted.