Satellite-Based Damage Assessment for City of Meiktila, Mandalay Region, Burma

By Human Rights Watch • April 1, 2013

A total of 828 destroyed and 35 severely damaged buildings were identified within the city of Meiktila (Meiktila township, Mandalay Region, Burma) likely caused by arson attacks reportedly occurring between March 20 -22, 2013. Damages are spatially concentrated within multiple areas of near total destruction measuring approximately 24.5 hectares in total area. Damages are located on both the western and eastern sections of the city, with the three highest concentrations located west and northeast of the main city market. It is likely that a small percentage of destroyed or severely damaged buildings have not been identified because of extensive tree cover. Total building damages are therefore likely to be higher. A single concentration of 52 small tent shelters likely erected for people displaced by the violence was identified on a football field located southeast of the main city market.