Google Earth provides satellite images of an area for multiple dates. I have selected these images for the rock churches area of Lalibela. Before 2006 the scenes lack detailed resolution. These dates were selected to show when something significant changed. The dates are marked in the upper left corners. The scale is in the lower left corner of the last (most recent) date. Within these scenes, areas of significant changes are outlined. Notice that I have posted large images here for good detail. You will need to slide your views to see all of the images.
13 January 2006 shows some of the churches under metal roofs. Numbers are placed beside the churches according to these names (sometimes there is a variation in spelling of the names).
North churches: 1 - Medhane Alem, 2 - Maryam, 3 - Denagel, 4 - Meskel, 5 - Golgotha, 6 - Mikael
East churches: 7 - Amanuel, 8 - Merkorios, 9 - Beta Lehem, 10 - Abba Libanos, 11 - Gabriel - Rufael.
12 - Giyorgis (St. George)
31 October 2010 shows large canopies erected over four of the churches to divert rainwater away from the bases of those churches. Unfortunately, this has lead to the drying of the volcanic rock, making it more fragile. In this scene, the area immediately west of the north churches has been cleared of modern buildings, leaving only the circular stone dwellings that used the stone removed by the carving of the churches.
5 February 2014 shows the incomplete removal of modern buildings in a large area east of the northern churches, leaving only the old circular stone buildings.
3 March 2018 shows the removal of modern buildings farther west of the north churches and also south of the east churches.
6 November 2023 shows some new buildings being constructed in the area west of the north churches.
In the 2006 image there is much barren ground, enhanced because it is a dry winter scene. The most recent, 2023, image is greener, partly because the rainy season was earlier. But more interesting is that the vegetation has spread extensively because of the clearings and limited development. Some of the growth is from the rapidly-growing eucalyptus trees. The re-foresting of the stone churches area is making the environment more attractive for the visitors.
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