Myanmar Military Declares Temporary Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Relief Efforts

Hadisur Rahman, Jadetimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

In a significant move, Myanmar’s military has announced a temporary ceasefire to accelerate relief and reconstruction efforts following last week’s devastating earthquake. The ruling junta’s State Administration Council confirmed in a statement that the ceasefire will be in effect from April 2 to April 22, aiming to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the hardest-hit areas.

Devastation Caused by the Earthquake

At least 2,886 people have been confirmed dead following the magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday. Hundreds remain missing, while thousands have been displaced as the nation grapples with the disaster’s aftermath. The quake was felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, where the death toll currently stands at 21.

Civil Conflict Complicates Relief Efforts

Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, engaging in ongoing battles with ethnic militias and resistance forces. Earlier this week, rebel groups fighting the military had unilaterally declared a ceasefire to support relief efforts. However, the military had refused to follow suit until Wednesday’s announcement.

Attack on Chinese Red Cross Convoy

Despite the ceasefire declaration, tensions remain high. On Tuesday night, Myanmar’s military reportedly opened fire at a Chinese Red Cross convoy transporting earthquake relief supplies. According to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed rebel group, military troops fired machine guns at the nine-vehicle convoy in eastern Shan State.

The convoy was en route to Mandalay, one of the most severely affected cities near the earthquake’s epicenter. While no injuries were reported, the attack raised concerns over the safety of humanitarian aid missions. The junta denied targeting the vehicles, stating that troops fired warning shots after the convoy failed to stop when signaled.

China's Response and Call for Cooperation

China’s foreign ministry confirmed that its rescue team and supplies remained unharmed following the incident. Beijing urged all parties in Myanmar to prioritize humanitarian efforts, ensuring the safe delivery of aid to those in need.

The TNLA claimed that it had informed the military council in advance about the convoy’s movement. After retreating to Naungcho, the convoy planned to continue its journey to Mandalay.

International Humanitarian Assistance

As Myanmar faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, multiple international aid organizations and foreign governments have mobilized relief efforts. However, logistical and security challenges persist due to the ongoing conflict and strict military controls over aid distribution.

A military spokesperson emphasized that international agencies providing aid must coordinate with the government to ensure safe passage. He claimed that the Chinese Blue Sky Rescue Team, currently assisting in Mandalay, had received security clearance before traveling through the affected areas.

Uncertainty Over the True Scale of the Crisis

While official reports place the death toll at nearly 3,000, independent sources suggest the actual number may be significantly higher. Many remote areas remain inaccessible, raising fears that the full extent of the devastation has yet to be accounted for.

As the ceasefire takes effect, the coming weeks will determine whether Myanmar’s military and rebel groups can set aside hostilities long enough to facilitate meaningful relief and recovery efforts for the millions affected by the disaster.