Burma: Natural Hazards

Natural Hazard Enhanced by Political Disaster



Credit: Associated Presss

It is demonstrated over and over again that our earth observation and scientific knowledge that could have substantially mitigated natural hazards and disasters are being ignored by politicians. Natural hazards used to be a political disaster for nations leaders - today it seems that politicians use the natural disaster to further damage their people. I don't get it.




Credit: ESA/Envisat

"These Envisat radar images highlight the extent of flooding in the Irrawaddy delta caused by the cyclone Nargis that hit Myanmar on 3 May 2008, devastating the country. The left image, acquired on 5 February 2007, shows the situation approximately one year ago. The black and dark areas in the image on the right, acquired on 5 May 2008, indicate areas potentially still flooded two days after the event."

Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar



Credit: NASA/JAXA


Rainfall accumulations along Cyclone Nargis' path between April 27 and May 4, 2008, based on data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite.

Cyclone Maps

Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar



Green line is the trace of the cyclone, red represent the areas affected.


Maps are crucial aid in mitigation work and the humanitarian assistance that follows a disaster like this Myanmar cyclone. Click (and click some more) on the maps for larger more readability. It is immense.

Cyclone

Cyclone Nargis in Burma



Credit: NASA/MODIS

As seen from space

It looks a lot messier from the ground...

Before and After the cyclone analysis can be found at my friend Comely1