Myanmar’s southern coast was struck by a 5.0-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, just days after a devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28—the country’s worst in recent history—left over 3,000 dead. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the latest quake occurred at 4:27 PM, about 86 km south of Pyapon, with a depth of 10 km.
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Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Grim Toll
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the March 28 disaster, rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid widespread devastation. On Wednesday, five days after the earthquake, a 26-year-old hotel worker was pulled out alive from the rubble of a collapsed hotel in Naypyidaw by a joint Myanmar-Turkish team. AFP quoted the fire service and junta officials as saying the survivor was dazed and covered in dust but conscious.
Junta Declares Temporary Ceasefire
In response to repeated pleas from earthquake victims’ families for urgent aid, Myanmar’s ruling military announced a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, pausing ongoing civil conflict to allow relief efforts.
The announcement, made via state broadcaster MRTV, declared that the ceasefire would remain in effect until April 22. Armed resistance groups, including the People’s Defense Force and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, had also called a ceasefire to support relief efforts, according to an AP report. However, the military warned these groups against using the pause to launch attacks.
(With inputs from agencies)
