The death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar has risen to 3,085.
According to a statement by the military-led government, 4,715 people have been injured, and 341 remain missing.
In an effort to facilitate rescue efforts which have been hindered by the ongoing conflict, the military has declared a unilateral, temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war, effective from Wednesday until April 22.
The move follows unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule.
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However, the military warned that it would take “necessary” measures against these groups if they use the ceasefire to regroup, train, or launch attacks.
In neighboring Thailand, the earthquake has reportedly claimed 22 lives, with hundreds of buildings damaged and 72 people missing.
Meanwhile, the challenge of delivering relief aid in Myanmar’s conflict zone was highlighted when the military said it fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy that failed to stop.
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The Chinese ministry of foreign affairs, however, said its rescue team and supplies were safe after the incident on Tuesday.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the chinese ministry of foreign affairs, expressed concern over the incident, saying Beijing hopes all factions and parties in Myanmar will prioritize earthquake relief efforts, “ensuring the safety of rescue personnel and supplies from China and other countries”.
Guo emphasised the importance of keeping transportation routes open and unobstructed.
Human Rights Watch has urged the military government to allow unfettered access for humanitarian aid and lift restrictions hindering aid agencies.
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Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said “Myanmar’s junta cannot be trusted to respond to a disaster of this scale”.
“Concerned governments and international agencies need to press the junta to allow full and immediate access to survivors, wherever they are,” he said.
