Myanmar Declares Temporary Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery Efforts

Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to support rescue and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the country on Friday. The truce, set to last until April 22, was announced by state-run MRTV, citing the need to assist victims and facilitate relief operations.

Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons

The earthquake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, has claimed more than 2,700 lives, making it the deadliest natural disaster to hit Myanmar in years. With hundreds still missing, authorities anticipate the death toll to climb further as search and recovery missions continue.

Aid organizations warn that the destruction has triggered an escalating medical crisis. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported Tuesday that many survivors lack access to healthcare and clean drinking water.

“Water, both in quantity and quality, is immensely lacking across the country, particularly in earthquake-affected regions,” said Mikhael De Souza, a field coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). He cautioned that this shortage poses immediate survival risks and could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Health Risks and Ongoing Conflict

The Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw, an anti-regime authority, has raised concerns about the worsening health risks, noting that bodies recovered from collapsed buildings are spreading a foul odor, further endangering public health.

Myanmar’s healthcare system was already in a fragile state before the disaster due to the ongoing civil war. The country has been locked in conflict since a military coup in 2021, which sparked widespread resistance and clashes with rebel groups. The prolonged conflict has left hospitals and medical services ill-equipped to handle large-scale emergencies like this earthquake.

Ceasefire and Humanitarian Challenges

In addition to the military's ceasefire declaration, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) announced a temporary pause in offensive military actions, allowing rescue operations to proceed. However, the NUG emphasized that defensive measures would continue as needed. The opposition-led ceasefire is expected to last two weeks, from March 30 onward.

Despite the truce, Amnesty International reported ongoing military airstrikes in the days following the disaster. Eyewitness accounts gathered by the organization suggest that Myanmar’s junta forces have continued targeted attacks in some regions, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the ceasefire.

International Response

Efforts to coordinate relief and reconstruction are gaining momentum. China and Belarus have deployed rescue teams to assist in affected areas, working alongside local emergency responders. MRTV reported that Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), is set to attend a regional summit in Thailand on April 3-4 to discuss the earthquake response with neighboring countries.

As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic disaster, international humanitarian organizations and regional leaders face immense challenges in ensuring aid reaches those in need, particularly in conflict-ridden areas beyond military control.