Myanmar's military authorities have declared a temporary ceasefire in the country's civil war to facilitate humanitarian aid after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed more than 3,000 people.
The military high command's message was broadcast on state-run MRTV on Wednesday evening, saying the truce would remain in effect until April 22 and was intended to show compassion for those affected by Friday's earthquake.
The announcement followed a unilateral temporary ceasefire declared by resistance groups opposed to military rule.
The army statement stressed that these groups must refrain from attacking government targets or regrouping, or the military will take “necessary” measures.
Earlier on Wednesday, rescuers pulled two men alive from the rubble of a hotel in Myanmar's capital, a third from a hotel in another town and another in the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, five days after the quake.
However, most groups found only bodies.
The earthquake struck at midday on Friday, destroying thousands of buildings, damaging bridges and buckling roads.
The death toll rose to 3,003 on Wednesday, with more than 4,500 injured, according to MRTV.
Local sources report significantly higher figures.
The earthquake occurred amid civil war in Myanmar, further worsening an already grave humanitarian crisis.
According to the UN, more than three million people have been forced to flee their homes, and almost 20 million needed assistance even before the disaster.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
