BANGKOK — On Saturday, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, which represents opposition to the military rule, declared a unilateral partial ceasefire to aid earthquake relief efforts, as the nation grapples with an escalating death toll now reaching 1,644.
The figure marked a significant rise from the previously reported 1,002, underscoring the challenges of verifying casualties across a vast area and the potential for further increases from Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The number of injured has grown to 3,408, with 139 individuals still reported missing.
In neighboring Thailand, the death toll increased to 17. The earthquake impacted the greater Bangkok area, which houses around 17 million residents, alongside other parts of the country. Although numerous northern areas reported damage, casualties were only reported within Bangkok.
Among the deceased, ten lost their lives when a high-rise near the popular Chatuchak market collapsed, with the remaining fatalities occurring across seven other locations. Bangkok authorities noted 83 people missing.
On Saturday, additional heavy equipment was deployed to sift through the vast rubble, but the likelihood of finding more survivors dimmed.
“I was hoping they had survived, but seeing this destruction, where could they have gone?” expressed Naruemol Thonglek, 45, tearfully awaiting news about her partner from Myanmar and five friends who were on site.
Rescue operations in Myanmar are currently concentrated on major impacted cities such as Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and Naypyitaw, the capital. Despite receiving international assistance, their efforts are hampered by airport damage, with satellite images revealing the collapse of the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport.
It remains unclear if there were any casualties from this incident. Another barrier to relief is the ongoing civil war affecting much of the country, including the earthquake-stricken regions. The military’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in 2021 fueled substantial armed resistance.
Government forces have lost control over large areas, rendering them inaccessible or perilous for aid groups. According to the United Nations, more than 3 million people have been displaced, with nearly 20 million in urgent need.
On Saturday night, the shadow National Unity Government’s announcement of a unilateral partial ceasefire aimed strategically to enhance earthquake relief efforts.
It outlined that its military wing, the People’s Defense Force, will hold a two-week ceasefire of military offensives beginning Sunday in quake-impacted regions and collaborate with the U.N. and international NGOs “to ensure safety, transport, and establish temporary rescue and medical bases” in territories under its control.
The resistance acknowledged it might need to defend if attacked.
The earthquake, originating near Mandalay, struck Friday afternoon with several aftershocks following, including one of 6.4 magnitude. Buildings toppled, roads buckled, and bridges collapsed across numerous locations.
In Naypyitaw, repair work on damaged roads was underway Saturday while electricity and communication services remained disrupted in most areas. The earthquake caused significant destruction, even bringing down residential complexes for government workers, with authorities blockading that part of the city.
An initial report by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs allocated $5 million from a Central Emergency Response Fund for “critical life-saving help.”
A convoy of 17 trucks with vital shelter and medical supplies from China is expected to arrive Sunday.
Significant damage to health facilities was noted, along with warnings of a severe shortage of essentials like trauma kits, assistive devices, and medical tents.
In terms of aid, Burma is seeing support from its allies, with rescue teams and resources arriving. China and Russia, Myanmar’s top military suppliers, were quick to respond, providing humanitarian assistance.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, expressed readiness to receive foreign aid.
China committed over 135 rescue personnel and essential supplies such as medical kits and generators and pledged approximately $13.8 million in emergency aid.
Russia sent 120 rescuers alongside supplies and a medical team. India, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States are also offering assistance.
President Trump’s administration acknowledged Washington’s intent to support the relief efforts.
The opposition’s ceasefire includes offering health care professionals aligned with its movement to join international teams in delivering rescue and medical aid within military-held areas, providing safety assurances are given.
The military had significantly restricted aid before the earthquake, with restrictions ongoing for the displaced population affected by pseudo-militant skirmishes.
Advocates urge the free distribution of aid to resistance-held regions, preventing exploitation by military forces.
The military has yet to respond to the resistance’s statement. However, military assaults persist post-earthquake, evident by three airstrikes in northern Kayin and southern Shan, adjoining Mandalay state, as reported by Dave Eubank from Free Burma Rangers, a private aid group.
In the area he was in, villages were already severely damaged by military action, limiting the earthquake’s direct impact.
“We were in the jungle during the quake — it was powerful, yet only swayed the trees,” commented Eubank, emphasizing military attacks continue despite disaster.
Though earthquakes are sporadic in Bangkok, they are relatively frequent in Myanmar, sitting on the major Sagaing Fault.
Seismologist Brian Baptie of the British Geological Survey noted that Myanmar’s densely populated region with vulnerable infrastructure endured intense shaking.
“A significant earthquake in a populous area full of fragile buildings often results in disasters,” he stated.