A unilateral partial ceasefire has been declared by Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government to aid earthquake relief efforts following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday. The death toll has dramatically increased to 1,644, up from 1,002 reported just hours earlier, with injuries at 3,408 and 139 individuals still unaccounted for. The quake, which centred near Mandalay, has caused extensive destruction across several regions, including the capital city, Naypyitaw, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
In neighbouring Thailand, the earthquake resulted in 10 fatalities, predominantly connected to the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok. Although the majority of damage occurred there, reports indicate that additional areas in northern Thailand experienced structural damage.
Efforts in Myanmar are hampered not just by the magnitude of the disaster, but also by the ongoing civil war that began after the military coup in 2021. This conflict has displaced over 3 million people, and many areas remain inaccessible to aid groups due to security concerns. The National Unity Government’s ceasefire aims to facilitate a two-week pause in hostilities in earthquake-affected regions, allowing for coordinated relief efforts alongside various international organisations.
Despite international offers of assistance—particularly from China and Russia, which have provided rescue teams and materials—the situation is dire. Many of the airports and vital infrastructure were damaged by the quake, notably Naypyitaw International Airport, which lost its air traffic control tower. This has hindered the arrival of foreign aid and rescue personnel.
The United Nations is responding with emergency allocations, including a $5 million fund for life-saving assistance. A convoy of critical supplies is set to arrive, although shortages in medical supplies and equipment pose significant obstacles to effective humanitarian response.
As rescue efforts continue, the intertwining of political unrest and natural disaster adds complexity, with military activities still occurring even in the aftermath of the earthquake. The focus remains on providing assistance to those impacted and coordinating international aid, while recognising the challenges posed by both the disaster’s scale and the entrenched conflict in Myanmar.