By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-04-02 15:06:22 | Updated at 2025-04-04 02:09:50
1 day ago
Myanmar’s ruling military declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war Wednesday to facilitate relief efforts following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 3,000 people.
The announcement by the military’s high command was reported late Wednesday on state television MRTV, which said the truce would run until April 22 and was aimed at showing compassion for people affected by Friday’s quake.
The announcement followed unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule. Those groups must refrain from attacking the state, or regrouping, or else the military will take “necessary” measures, the army’s statement said.
Earlier on Wednesday, rescuers pulled two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in Myanmar’s capital and a third from a guest house in another city, five days after the quake. But most teams were finding only bodies.
The quake hit midday on Friday, toppling thousands of buildings, collapsing bridges and buckling roads. The death toll rose to 3,003 on Wednesday, with more than 4,500 injured, MRTV reported. Local reports suggest much higher figures.
