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AI and Satellite Imagery Speed Up Earthquake Damage Assessment in Myanmar
Mar. 31, 2025. 1 min. read.
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Microsoft and Planet Labs used AI and satellite images to map earthquake damage in Myanmar, offering a faster response strategy for emergency teams.
In the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday, satellite technology and artificial intelligence (AI) were quickly deployed to assess the destruction. Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, working with San Francisco-based Planet Labs, analyzed high-resolution satellite images to identify damaged buildings and help direct emergency response efforts.
Initial attempts to capture clear images were delayed by heavy cloud cover, a common challenge in disaster zones. Once the skies cleared, a second satellite successfully transmitted photos to Microsoft’s team in Redmond, Washington, where AI specialists worked overnight to process the data. The analysis revealed severe damage—515 buildings were 80-100% destroyed, while another 1,524 sustained partial damage (20-80%).
Unlike previous disasters, such as Libya’s 2023 floods or recent Los Angeles wildfires, earthquake damage required a customized AI model. “Earthquakes affect entire cities unpredictably, making rapid assessment critical,” explained Juan Lavista Ferres, Microsoft’s chief data scientist. The findings were shared with aid organizations, including the Red Cross, to prioritize rescue and relief operations.
While the AI analysis provides a crucial first look, Microsoft cautioned that ground verification is still needed for accuracy. The initiative highlights how AI and satellite technology can accelerate disaster response, ensuring help reaches the hardest-hit areas faster.
Source: AI and satellites help aid workers respond to Myanmar earthquake damage | AP News
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