In a stark demonstration of nature’s power, ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has released high-resolution satellite images that reveal the extensive damage caused by a recent landslip in Wayanad district, Kerala. The images provide a detailed before-and-after view of Chooralmala, which was devastated by the landslide on July 30, 2024.
Captured by the Cartosat 3 satellite on May 22, 2023, and the RISAT satellite on July 31, 2024, the images show that approximately 86,000 square meters of land were displaced due to the landslip. The high-resolution imagery reveals a significant shift in the landscape, underscoring the severe impact of the event.
According to the NRSC, heavy rainfall in and around Chooralmala triggered a major flow of debris. The RISAT SAR images from July 31 illustrate the full extent of the debris flow, stretching approximately 8 kilometers from the crown to the end of the run-out zone. Notably, the crown zone appears to be a reactivation of an older landslide, suggesting a history of geological instability in the area.
The debris flow not only displaced massive amounts of earth but also widened the course of the Iruvaniphuza river, breaching its banks and damaging houses and infrastructure located along the river. The NRSC’s detailed analysis highlights the scale of the destruction and the challenges faced by the local community in the aftermath.
The NRSC, responsible for establishing ground stations to receive satellite data and generate data products, plays a crucial role in disaster management support. The center’s work in providing geospatial services for governance and capacity building for professionals, faculty, and students underscores its importance in handling such natural disasters.
As authorities and residents of Wayanad grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, the insights provided by NRSC’s satellite images will be instrumental in planning recovery and mitigation efforts, emphasizing the vital role of advanced technology in managing and responding to natural calamities.
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