Myanmar’s military declares temporary ceasefire as death toll from earthquake exceeds 3,000

Myanmar’s military has declared a temporary ceasefire from April 2 to April 22 to aid rescue efforts following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and more than 4,500 injuries, Al Jazeera reported. The ceasefire aims to facilitate relief operations amidst ongoing civil conflict.

The military’s announcement follows similar ceasefires from armed resistance groups. However, the military warned that any attacks would prompt necessary measures. In Thailand, the quake’s death toll has reached 22, with significant damage reported.

The UN reported that over 28 million people are affected by the earthquake and has allocated $12 million for emergency assistance. Despite fading hopes of finding survivors, some individuals have been rescued from the rubble. Human Rights Watch has called for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, urging that assistance be channeled through independent organizations rather than solely through the military government.