Death Toll from Myanmar Earthquake Surpasses 3,000... Military Junta Declares 'Temporary Ceasefire'

Myanmar's military government announced a three-week temporary ceasefire on the 2nd (local time) to manage the aftermath of a strong earthquake, according to AP News and Myanmar's state-run MRTV. The ceasefire takes effect from that day until the 22nd.

This follows the previous day's declaration of a temporary halt to hostilities by the People's Defense Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG), the interim government of Myanmar's democratic camp, and the Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of key ethnic armed groups.

Mandalay, Myanmar Earthquake Damage Site. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

MRTV described the ceasefire as a measure for national reconstruction. The military warned that during the cessation of fighting, rebel forces must refrain from regrouping or attacking the country, and if not, necessary actions will be taken.

MRTV reported that the death toll has risen to 3,003. Additionally, 4,515 people were injured, and 351 are missing.

On the 28th at around 12:50 PM, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck 33 km southwest of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city in the central region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) previously estimated a 71% probability that the death toll from this earthquake could exceed 10,000.

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