Myanmar Resistance Fighters Declare Temporary Ceasefire for Earthquake Relief

Naypyidaw, Myanmar, 30 March 2025 – Anti-coup resistance forces in Myanmar have announced a two-week partial ceasefire to facilitate rescue and relief operations following a devastating earthquake that struck the war-ravaged nation.

The People’s Defence Force (PDF), the armed wing of the opposition, declared a temporary cessation of offensive military actions in quake-affected regions, effective from 30 March 2025. However, defensive measures will continue, according to a statement issued by the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which operates in exile.

Coordinated Humanitarian Efforts

The NUG pledged to collaborate with the United Nations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to coordinate relief efforts, ensuring security, logistics, and the establishment of emergency medical and rescue camps in territories under its control. The statement, disseminated via social media, emphasised the need for a joint approach in mitigating the disaster’s impact.

Earthquake and Humanitarian Toll

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s central Sagaing region on Friday, causing widespread devastation. The tremors were also felt across neighbouring Thailand, where at least ten fatalities were reported in Bangkok. Myanmar’s military junta confirmed a death toll of 1,644 within its territory, though independent sources suggest the number could be significantly higher due to limited access to conflict zones.

The disaster compounds Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by political turmoil since the military coup of February 2021. The junta’s overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government triggered nationwide unrest, leading to armed resistance from both the PDF and ethnic armed organisations that have been engaged in decades-long struggles for autonomy.

Political and Military Context

Myanmar has been embroiled in a multi-front civil war, with resistance factions battling the military government across various regions. The NUG, comprised primarily of lawmakers ousted by the coup, has been working to gain international recognition as Myanmar’s legitimate government.

Despite ongoing conflict, this temporary ceasefire signals a rare moment of unity amid chaos, allowing aid workers to operate with reduced risk. However, concerns remain about the junta’s willingness to uphold humanitarian access, given its history of restricting aid efforts in rebel-held areas.

Regional Implications

The earthquake’s impact on Thailand highlights the broader regional vulnerabilities to seismic events. Bangkok, despite being over 700 kilometres from the quake’s epicentre, experienced tremors, underscoring the need for enhanced disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia.

Looking Ahead As Myanmar navigates both political and natural crises, the ceasefire’s effectiveness in enabling meaningful relief efforts remains to be seen. The international community continues to monitor developments, with calls for unimpeded humanitarian access and a long-term resolution to the country’s ongoing conflicts.