A recent satellite image provided critical information to aid organizations assessing damage after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
Microsoft used artificial intelligence technology to analyze the images and pinpoint areas of significant damage. The AI system had initially struggled due to cloudy conditions but ultimately produced accurate results.
The analysis showed that 515 buildings in Mandalay sustained extensive damage (80-100%), while another 1,524 suffered partial damage (20-80%). This data helps aid teams identify specific locations of damage, which is crucial for effective relief efforts.
While the information provided by Microsoft’s AI system should be used as a preliminary guide, it will require on-the-ground verification to ensure accuracy. The tech company has shared its analysis with organizations like the Red Cross to support the relief efforts in Myanmar and Thailand.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/03/31/myanmar-thailand-earthquake-mandalay-microsoft-ai-damage-assessment-rescue