Anti-coup fighters in Myanmar declared a two-week partial ceasefire as the military began Sunday, March 30, to facilitate rescue operations and other relief work after a massive earthquake hit the war-torn country.
The People's Defence Force (PDF) will "implement a two-week pause in offensive military operations, except for defensive actions, in earthquake-affected areas starting March 30, 2025", the shadow "National Unity Government" said in a statement.
The government in exile said it would "collaborate with the UN and NGOs to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps" in areas that it controls, according to the statement, which was released on social media.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Friday, and also affected Thailand. At least 1,644 people were killed in Myanmar, the junta said, while around 10 others were killed in Bangkok.
The civil war roiling much of the country is a major complication. In 2001, the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking what has since turned into significant armed resistance.
Government forces have lost control of much of Myanmar, and many places are incredibly dangerous or simply impossible for aid groups to reach. More than 3 million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations
Myanmar's military is opposed by both the PDFs and ethnic armed organizations, many of which have been fighting for decades. The "National Unity Government" consists mostly of lawmakers ousted in the coup who are working to topple the junta.
The UK pledged £10 million (€12 million) in humanitarian aid for Myanmar on Saturday. "This UK funding will increase support in the hardest hit areas of the earthquake and geared towards food and water supplies, medicine, and shelter," the UK foreign office said in a statement. "UK-funded local partners are already mobilizing a humanitarian response on the ground," said development minister Jennifer Chapman.