Myanmar Junta Announces Ceasefire as Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 3,000

Nearly a week after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, the death toll has climbed to 3,085, according to the country’s military-led government. Rescue teams continue to uncover more bodies, while thousands remain injured or missing.

Official figures report 4,715 people injured and 341 still unaccounted for. However, with telecommunications down in many areas and rescue efforts hampered by difficult terrain, the true extent of the disaster may be far worse than currently known.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which struck on Friday near Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city—caused widespread destruction, reducing thousands of buildings to rubble, damaging roads, and collapsing bridges.

In the aftermath, local reports suggest casualties could be significantly higher than the government’s official numbers, as many remote areas remain inaccessible.

Myanmar, already grappling with a deep humanitarian crisis following the 2021 military coup, now faces an even more dire situation.

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The United Nations had previously estimated that more than 3 million people were displaced and nearly 20 million were in need of humanitarian aid before the quake. The disaster has only worsened conditions for a population already struggling amid ongoing civil conflict.

Concerns are growing over how the political situation may affect rescue and relief operations. To address these fears, Myanmar’s military declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22, aiming to allow aid distribution.

However, the military also warned that it would take “necessary” action against opposition groups if they used the ceasefire to regroup or launch attacks. Resistance groups fighting against military rule had previously declared their own unilateral ceasefires, raising hopes that aid efforts might proceed without interference.

Beyond Myanmar, the earthquake’s impact has been felt in neighboring Thailand. In Bangkok, a partially constructed skyscraper collapsed due to the tremors, leaving 22 dead and 35 injured. Rescue workers in the Thai capital continue to search through the debris, with officials reporting that sounds of life may still be detected beneath the rubble.

As Myanmar struggles to recover, international humanitarian organizations are urging swift action to deliver aid to those affected. With critical infrastructure in ruins and thousands of families displaced, the need for urgent assistance has never been greater. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether relief efforts can reach those in desperate need or if the crisis will deepen further.