Satellite Maps Earthquake Yushu China

Satellite images captured the damage of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Yushu, China last week. The quake struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu Wednesday and has left 12,135 injured, of whom 1,434 are in serious condition.

The death toll has climbed to 2,039 from the earthquake in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, with 195 people still missing, according to the rescue headquarters.

GeoEye-1 Satellite Map Post Earthquake Destruction

GeoEye-1 (0.5m) satellite image above of Yushu, China, was taken one day after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the area on April 14, 2010. Although high-rise buildings appear to be standing, likely due to modern construction standards, there is extensive destruction to smaller structures in the lower left quadrant of the image. These smaller dwellings have been largely reduced to rubble. Vehicles crowd the main street near the town square along the river where people have gathered and temporary structures have been erected. Bridges appear to be intact but could be damaged. The satellite image was taken by the GeoEye-1 satellite sensor from 423 miles in space on April 15, 2010, as it moved from north to south over China at a speed of four miles per second.

QuickBird Satellite Image Pre-earthquake Yushu, China

QuickBird Satellite Image Post Earthquake Yushu, China

In Gyegu, thousands of wood-earth buildings collapsed and much larger structured were heavily damaged or destroyed. At an elevation of 3,700m (12,000 ft) and connected by a few roads, most of which were damaged in the quake, is difficult to reach the response teams.

Rescuers continue to search for survivors as homeless residents work to recover what they can and set up shelter from the freezing overnight temperatures.