Myanmar declares ceasefire in civil war to facilitate earthquake relief

Myanmar’s ruling military declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war on Wednesday to facilitate relief efforts following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 3,000 people.

The announcement by the military’s high command was reported on Wednesday. The truce would run until April 22 and was aimed at showing compassion for people affected by Friday’s quake. The announcement followed unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule. Those groups must refrain from attacking the state, or regrouping, or else the military would take “necessary” measures, the army’s statement said.

Earlier, rescuers pulled two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in Myanmar’s capital five days after the quake.