Myanmar’s ruling military declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war to facilitate relief efforts following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed over 3,000 people. The surprise announcement by military leaders who also head the unelected government came late Wednesday on state television MRTV, which said the halt in fighting would run until April 22.
The ceasefire follows unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule. Military leaders warned those groups must refrain from attacking the state and regrouping or face “necessary” measures. Resistance forces have also reserved the right to fight in self-defense.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with two men pulled alive from hotel ruins five days after the quake. Many teams are finding only bodies, but local reports suggest much higher figures. The earthquake worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis due to Myanmar’s civil war, displacing over 3 million people and leaving nearly 20 million in need.
Countries have pledged millions in assistance, including India and China, which have been quick to provide aid. Multiple other countries, including Turkey, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, have sent specialist search and rescue teams and set up field hospitals. The US government has pledged $2 million in emergency aid and sent a three-person team to assess response efforts.
The extent of devastation is still unclear, with many areas without power or phone connections, and difficult to reach by road. More reports are beginning to trickle in, including a cave-in that killed 27 gold miners and homes built on wooden stilts collapsing at Inle Lake, popular tourist destination northeast of the capital.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/03/nx-s1-5350471/myanmar-ceasefire-earthquake