Before and After: Satellite Images Show the Devastating Impact of Myanmar’s 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake

On Friday, Myanmar was rocked by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to hit the country in over a century. The tremors were felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders, shaking Thailand and even reaching nearby regions of China.

This earthquake struck a nation already grappling with turmoil. Myanmar has been in the throes of a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in 2021, cutting off much of the country from the rest of the world. The tremors from this natural disaster have added yet another layer of suffering for a population already living in crisis.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly in the aftermath, sifting through rubble in hopes of finding survivors. Entire buildings have collapsed, and early reports indicate a tragic loss of life. While the full scale of the damage is still unfolding, experts warn that it could take weeks before the complete toll is known.

The destruction is so widespread that satellite images have become a vital tool in assessing the aftermath. These before-and-after images starkly reveal the scale of devastation, showing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.

The powerful images highlight the vastness of the earthquake’s impact—flattened structures, damaged infrastructure, and swathes of land left in ruin. As Myanmar struggles to recover, these visuals underscore the dire need for immediate international aid and support.

In the midst of a long-standing political crisis, Myanmar’s latest tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of how natural disasters can further compound the suffering of those already facing immense challenges.

As rescuers continue their search and the world watches, the full extent of the destruction remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Myanmar faces an uphill battle as it grapples with this latest catastrophe.