National Unity Government Declares Ceasefire Amidst Deadly Earthquake in Myanmar
The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar, claiming democratic legitimacy, announced a two-week ceasefire on Saturday in response to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has tragically resulted in at least 1,644 deaths. In their official statement, the NUG emphasized that this cessation of hostilities is aimed at facilitating rescue operations for individuals trapped beneath rubble and collapsed structures. While they expressed commitment to aiding rescue efforts, the NUG reserved the right to respond with force against any potential attacks from the military junta.
The earthquake, which struck the central region of Myanmar and was followed by aftershocks, caused significant destruction across various states including Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Naypyidaw, and southern Shan State. The NUG, which administers certain peripheral areas of the country, stated its intent to collaborate with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure the safety of medical and rescue camps in the territories under their control. Moreover, they affirmed that their health teams, along with allies from the Civil Disobedience Movement, are prepared to provide assistance in areas managed by the military junta if minimum security conditions allow.
In an effort to kickstart recovery operations, the NUG has allocated $1 million to support emergency rescue and medical efforts nationwide, particularly in areas under NUG administration. Previously, the NUG has reported that the junta's forces continued to bombard rebel-held territories impacted by the earthquake, including regions in Sagaing and Shan State, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
This ceasefire announcement comes after the NUG's military arm, in conjunction with ethnic guerrilla forces, has gradually gained control over significant territories following the military coup in 2021, which prompted them to take up arms against the junta. However, the junta maintains aerial dominance through attacks powered by Chinese and Russian-made fighter jets.
The earthquake struck on Friday at 12:50 PM local time (06:20 GMT), causing severe destruction in the centrally located regions of Myanmar. Rescue teams are operating under dire conditions, with limited resources available to search for survivors amidst the debris of over 2,600 collapsed buildings.
The military junta reported today a rising death toll of 1,644, alongside 3,408 injuries, with 139 individuals still unaccounted for following this catastrophic event. The international community, including UN agencies and NGOs, is mobilizing to provide necessary assistance to those affected in the wake of this disaster.
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