Myanmar rebels have declared a ceasefire amid the chaos caused by an earthquake. The country’s shadow National Unity Government, which leads the resistance against the ruling military, announced a unilateral partial ceasefire on Saturday to aid in earthquake relief efforts. The ceasefire will be carried out by the People’s Defense Force, the armed wing of the National Unity Government, with a two-week pause in offensive military operations set to begin in earthquake-affected areas on Sunday. The rebels stated that they will collaborate with the U.N. and non-governmental organizations to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps in the areas under their control. They called on all ethnic groups and citizens to actively support the NUG and revolutionary forces in providing comprehensive emergency rescue and relief assistance to the earthquake victims. This move presents a significant political challenge to the ruling military, which has hindered aid efforts to the millions displaced by conflict even before the earthquake. The military has not yet responded to the rebels’ announcement, and reports suggest that they have continued air attacks on resistance-held areas despite the earthquake. The confirmed death toll from the earthquake has risen to 1,644, with more bodies being recovered from collapsed buildings near the second-largest city in Myanmar. Rescue efforts are underway in severely affected areas, but the damaged airports and ongoing civil war are hampering relief operations and increasing concerns about a rising death toll. The earthquake, which struck on Friday, caused widespread destruction, including building collapses, road damages, and infrastructure failures. Efforts to repair roads and restore essential services are ongoing in affected cities like Mandalay and Naypyitaw.
In Thailand, the earthquake caused significant damage in the greater Bangkok area, affecting around 17 million residents and other parts of the country. The authorities in Bangkok confirmed that the death toll had risen to 10, with nine fatalities at the collapsed high-rise construction site near the popular Chatuchak market, and 78 individuals remained missing. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, the chances of finding survivors were dwindling, leading to heartbreak and uncertainty for the loved ones of the missing.
The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks were felt across most provinces of Thailand, with reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure in various regions, including Chiang Mai. While earthquakes are uncommon in Bangkok, they are more frequent in neighboring Myanmar, which lies along the Sagaing Fault separating the India and Sunda plates.
Seismologist Brian Baptie highlighted the vulnerability of the population living in structures made of timber and unreinforced brick masonry, emphasizing the devastating impact of earthquakes on such communities. The earthquake’s aftermath in Myanmar was further complicated by the ongoing civil war following a military coup in February 2021, with military forces continuing attacks despite the natural disaster.
In the midst of the chaos, the need for assistance and blood donations in Myanmar was critical, prompting the government to accept outside aid, a departure from previous reluctance. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar was already dire, with millions displaced and in need due to the conflict between the military and various factions within the country.
Dave Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier and founder of the Free Burma Rangers, described the challenges of providing aid in conflict-ridden areas, noting the destruction caused by airstrikes and the limited impact of the earthquake in some regions. The complex dynamics of the civil war in Myanmar further compounded the difficulties faced by both combatants and civilians, highlighting the urgent need for international support and relief efforts.
The airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, suffered a collapse following an earthquake, as revealed by satellite photos analyzed by Planet Labs PBC and reported by the AP. The images depicted the air traffic control tower lying in ruins, with debris scattered around the area. This tower was crucial for managing all air traffic in the capital.
In response to the disaster, rescue teams from various countries have mobilized to provide aid. China and Russia, being key arms suppliers to Myanmar, were among the first to offer assistance. China dispatched over 135 rescue personnel, along with medical kits and generators, and pledged approximately $13.8 million in emergency aid. Hong Kong also sent a team of 51 members to aid in the relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry airlifted 120 rescuers and supplies to the affected area, with Moscow’s Health Ministry deploying a medical team. Other countries such as India and South Korea are also sending aid, while the U.N. has allocated $5 million for immediate relief operations.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would be contributing to the response efforts, although some experts raised concerns due to the administration’s reductions in foreign aid funding.
Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writers Jerry Harmer, Grant Peck, Simina Mistreanu, Tong-hyung Kim, and Jon Gambrell.
