This one-meter resolution satellite image of the southern Iranian city of Bam was taken by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite on December 27, 2003, just one day after a catastrophic earthquake struck the historic city.
The image shows widespread destruction as a result of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that killed up to 50,000 people.
Whole blocks of homes that collapsed onto their square lots may be discerned in the satellite imagery. Some smaller roads appear to be cluttered with debris and cars.
Clearly seen in the center of the image is the 2,000-year-old citadel, considered the world's largest mud fortress. Much of the medieval fortress is reported to have crumbled like a sand castle when the quake hit.
EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran. An Iranian woman holds a picture of Iran's Supreme ...
