Myanmar’s NUG declares ceasefire after deadly earthquake

Myanmar’s National Unity Government halts resistance operations for two weeks to aid earthquake victims.

Members of the Hong Kong rescue team conduct search and rescue operations amid the ruins in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 31, 2025. Photo by Chen Yongnuo/VCG

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG) has declared a ceasefire in response to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday, March 28. The ceasefire, effective from March 30, will last for two weeks to facilitate rescue and relief operations for victims in affected areas.

According to a report by Myanmar Now on Sunday, March 30, the NUG, which was formed by lawmakers ousted in the February 2021 military coup, has mobilized members of the Civil Disobedience Movement to assist in rescue efforts. This movement, consisting of civil servants and pro-democracy professionals, has played a significant role in resisting Myanmar’s military rule.

NUG demands junta cooperation in rescue efforts

Despite its ceasefire announcement, the NUG has placed conditions on Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, requiring guarantees for the safety of rescue personnel. The opposition group has warned the junta against making arrests or obstructing relief operations in quake-hit areas.

So far, Myanmar’s military government has not publicly responded to the ceasefire call. Observers remain uncertain whether the junta will honor the truce or allow opposition-backed volunteers to operate freely in its controlled territories.

Death toll continues to rise

The powerful earthquake has left a trail of destruction, with local reports estimating at least 1,700 fatalities and over 3,400 injuries. Authorities fear the death toll could climb further, as dozens remain missing in collapsed buildings and landslides across the country.

Emergency response teams have been overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, with limited resources and ongoing conflict complicating rescue operations. Survivors in remote areas are particularly vulnerable, as damaged roads and infrastructure have slowed relief efforts.

NUG allocates funds for disaster relief

In a bid to accelerate aid efforts, the NUG has pledged $1 million to support rescue and relief operations. The funds are expected to be channeled through networks of volunteers and humanitarian groups operating in both opposition-controlled and junta-held territories.

NUG leaders have also urged the international community to step in with emergency assistance, as Myanmar’s deepening political crisis has left state-run institutions ill-equipped to handle a disaster of this magnitude.

Ongoing conflict complicates relief efforts

Myanmar has been engulfed in nationwide conflict since the military seized power in February 2021. The Tatmadaw faces armed resistance from both ethnic militias and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), the armed wing of the NUG. Fighting has intensified in recent months, with opposition forces making territorial gains in various regions.

The earthquake has momentarily shifted focus from the armed struggle to humanitarian relief, but underlying tensions remain. The NUG’s ceasefire move is seen as a strategic step to facilitate aid while pressuring the military to engage in non-combat cooperation.

However, skepticism lingers over whether the junta will reciprocate. In previous disasters, Myanmar’s military has been accused of obstructing humanitarian access, particularly in areas controlled by opposition groups.

Future implications of the ceasefire

The temporary truce presents an opportunity for Myanmar’s warring factions to ease hostilities, even if only for humanitarian purposes. However, whether this will lead to broader peace efforts remains uncertain. The NUG’s decision to pause its armed resistance underscores its commitment to protecting civilians, but its ability to enforce the ceasefire across various battlefronts is limited.

As Myanmar grapples with the dual crisis of conflict and natural disaster, international pressure may play a crucial role in determining how relief efforts unfold. Humanitarian organizations have already called for unimpeded access to affected regions, urging all sides to prioritize civilian welfare over military objectives.

For now, the focus remains on saving lives, but the broader political conflict is unlikely to subside once the ceasefire period ends.