People line up for food aid in Sagaing, near the epicentre of the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. AFP
People line up for food aid in Sagaing, near the epicentre of the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. AFP
People line up for food aid in Sagaing, near the epicentre of the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. AFP
People line up for food aid in Sagaing, near the epicentre of the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. AFP

News

Asia

Myanmar junta declares temporary truce for quake relief efforts

Army faced criticism for continuing attacks despite two major insurgent groups announcing ceasefires

The National

April 02, 2025

  • English
  • Arabic

Myanmar's ruling military has declared a temporary ceasefire with insurgent groups until April 22 to enable relief efforts following last week's deadly earthquake, state-run media reported.

The temporary ceasefire, announced by the MRTV channel in its nightly news bulletin on Wednesday, follows criticism of the military leadership for continuing attacks on rebel groups amid rescue and relief operations for survivors of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday.

The death toll rose to 2,886 on Wednesday in Myanmar, with another 4,639 injured, according to MRTV. More than three million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

Two of the major groups fighting the military had already declared ceasefires because of the earthquake. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, one of a powerful group of militias that has taken a large swathe of the country from the military, announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire on Tuesday to facilitate the humanitarian response. The shadow opposition National Unity Government, founded by lawmakers ousted in the military's 2021 coup, also declared a ceasefire by its forces.

The army statement announcing its ceasefire said these groups must refrain from attacking the state or regrouping, or else the military would take “necessary” measures, MRTV said.

Countries have sent rescue teams and aid to Myanmar, which had been become internationally isolated following the coup. At least three people were pulled alive from the rubble of collapsed buildings on Wednesday.

Aid donated by India to its earthquake-hit neighbour Myanmar upon its arrival at the Thilawa Port along the Yangon river. AFP
Aid donated by India to its earthquake-hit neighbour Myanmar upon its arrival at the Thilawa Port along the Yangon river. AFP
Trucks carrying relief supplies for the earthquake victims drive on the road in Yangon-Mandalay highway road, Bago region, Myanmar. EPA
Trucks carrying relief supplies for the earthquake victims drive on the road in Yangon-Mandalay highway road, Bago region, Myanmar. EPA
Rescue workers stand on the street next to a collapsed building in Mandalay. AFP
Rescue workers stand on the street next to a collapsed building in Mandalay. AFP
Catholic nuns joins others as they hold candles while offering prayers for the country and also victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar after a religious procession in observance of lent, in Quezon city, Philippines. AP
Catholic nuns joins others as they hold candles while offering prayers for the country and also victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar after a religious procession in observance of lent, in Quezon city, Philippines. AP
People queue for water from a donation water truck following a strong earthquake in Pyawbwe township, Mandalay, Myanmar. Reuters
People queue for water from a donation water truck following a strong earthquake in Pyawbwe township, Mandalay, Myanmar. Reuters
Activists hold up pictures of Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during a protest against his visit to Thailand and attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday. Reuters
Activists hold up pictures of Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during a protest against his visit to Thailand and attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday. Reuters
People queue for food and relief supplies in Amarapura, Myanmar. Reuters
People queue for food and relief supplies in Amarapura, Myanmar. Reuters
Bhutanese medical volunteers look at the chest scan of a patient at a make-shift tent in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP
Bhutanese medical volunteers look at the chest scan of a patient at a make-shift tent in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP
Work on a collapsed building in Bangkok after a strong earthquake with its epicentre in Myanmar hit the region on March 28. Reuters
Work on a collapsed building in Bangkok after a strong earthquake with its epicentre in Myanmar hit the region on March 28. Reuters
The collapsed Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing, Myanmar. AFP
The collapsed Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing, Myanmar. AFP
Rescue teams from Indonesia prepare to leave for Myanmar. AFP
Rescue teams from Indonesia prepare to leave for Myanmar. AFP
A dog unit works at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed in Bangkok. AP
A dog unit works at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed in Bangkok. AP
Chinese rescuers search for earthquake victims at the collapsed Sky Villa in Mandalay, Myanmar. EPA
Chinese rescuers search for earthquake victims at the collapsed Sky Villa in Mandalay, Myanmar. EPA
A worker transports the body of a victim to be buried at the Aye Yate Nyein Cemetery in Mandalay. AFP
A worker transports the body of a victim to be buried at the Aye Yate Nyein Cemetery in Mandalay. AFP
A combination picture of satellite images of the tower in Bangkok, Thailand taken on December 25, 2024 and after it collapsed during an earthquake on March 28. Reuters
A combination picture of satellite images of the tower in Bangkok, Thailand taken on December 25, 2024 and after it collapsed during an earthquake on March 28. Reuters
People queue for relief supplies near the earthquake's epicentre, in Sagaing, Myanmar. Reuters
People queue for relief supplies near the earthquake's epicentre, in Sagaing, Myanmar. Reuters
A collapsed bridge near the epicentre in Sagaing. Reuters
A collapsed bridge near the epicentre in Sagaing. Reuters
Rescuers work to find residents trapped under the rubble of the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay, Myanmar. AFP
Rescuers work to find residents trapped under the rubble of the collapsed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay, Myanmar. AFP
Rescue workers assess a building that collapsed in Bangkok. EPA
Rescue workers assess a building that collapsed in Bangkok. EPA
Rescuers search for survivors in the rubble of the Sky Villa Condominium building in Mandalay. AFP
Rescuers search for survivors in the rubble of the Sky Villa Condominium building in Mandalay. AFP
A health worker helps a fainted rescuer at the Sky Villa. EPA
A health worker helps a fainted rescuer at the Sky Villa. EPA
A Cambodian woman wipes her tear while waiting for news of her missing brother and sister-in-law at the site of an under-construction building collapse in Bangkok. AFP
A Cambodian woman wipes her tear while waiting for news of her missing brother and sister-in-law at the site of an under-construction building collapse in Bangkok. AFP
Muslims offer morning prayers to start the Eid Al Fitr festival, marking the end of Ramadan, on a road near demolished mosques in Mandalay. AFP
Muslims offer morning prayers to start the Eid Al Fitr festival, marking the end of Ramadan, on a road near demolished mosques in Mandalay. AFP

In the capital, Naypyitaw, a team of Turkish and local rescue workers used an endoscopic camera to locate a man trapped on a lower floor of the hotel where he worked and pulled him out alive. MRTV reported later that another man was pulled out alive from the same building, more than 121 hours after the quake struck.

Another man was rescued by a team of Malaysian and local crews from a collapsed guesthouse in the Sagaing township, near the epicentre of the earthquake, close to Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay.

The earthquake also rocked neighbouring Thailand, causing the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok. One body was removed from the rubble early on Wednesday, raising the death toll in Bangkok to 22 with 35 injured, primarily at the construction site.

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on this story
Tomorrow 2021
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

While you're here
Zayed Sustainability Prize
On Women's Day
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Whiile you're here
While you're here
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Race card

5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m

6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m

6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m

7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m

8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m

9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m

9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m

More coverage from the Future Forum
On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Tomorrow 2021
Tomorrow 2021
Towering concerns
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

On Women's Day
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Plastic tipping points
The five pillars of Islam
Our commentary on Brexit
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
More on Quran memorisation:
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Zayed Sustainability Prize
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

HOW%20TO%20ACTIVATE%20THE%20GEMINI%20SHORTCUT%20ON%20CHROME%20CANARY
%3Cp%3E1.%20Go%20to%20%3Cstrong%3Echrome%3A%2F%2Fflags%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20Find%20and%20enable%20%3Cstrong%3EExpansion%20pack%20for%20the%20Site%20Search%20starter%20pack%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E3.%20Restart%20Chrome%20Canary%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.%20Go%20to%20%3Cstrong%3Echrome%3A%2F%2Fsettings%2FsearchEngines%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20in%20the%20address%20bar%20and%20find%20the%20%3Cstrong%3EChat%20with%20Gemini%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20shortcut%20under%20%3Cstrong%3ESite%20Search%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.%20Open%20a%20new%20tab%20and%20type%20%40%20to%20see%20the%20Chat%20with%20Gemini%20shortcut%20along%20with%20other%20Omnibox%20shortcuts%20to%20search%20tabs%2C%20history%20and%20bookmarks%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Jawan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAtlee%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Nayanthara%2C%20Vijay%20Sethupathi%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Graduated from the American University of Sharjah

She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters

Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks

Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding

 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

Non-oil%20trade
%3Cp%3ENon-oil%20trade%20between%20the%20UAE%20and%20Japan%20grew%20by%2034%20per%20cent%20over%20the%20past%20two%20years%2C%20according%20to%20data%20from%20the%20Federal%20Competitiveness%20and%20Statistics%20Centre.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%2010%20years%2C%20it%20has%20reached%20a%20total%20of%20Dh524.4%20billion.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECars%20topped%20the%20list%20of%20the%20top%20five%20commodities%20re-exported%20to%20Japan%20in%202022%2C%20with%20a%20value%20of%20Dh1.3%20billion.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EJewellery%20and%20ornaments%20amounted%20to%20Dh150%20million%20while%20precious%20metal%20scraps%20amounted%20to%20Dh105%20million.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERaw%20aluminium%20was%20ranked%20first%20among%20the%20top%20five%20commodities%20exported%20to%20Japan.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETop%20of%20the%20list%20of%20commodities%20imported%20from%20Japan%20in%202022%20was%20cars%2C%20with%20a%20value%20of%20Dh20.08%20billion.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

UAE currency
You might also like
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
E-cigarettes report
Our commentary on Brexit
While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Read more about the coronavirus
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More on this story:
Transgender report
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Tomorrow 2021
You might also like
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

More from this story
UAE currency
Background
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYango%20Deli%20Tech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERetail%20SaaS%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf%20funded%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
More from this package
'Ashkal'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Youssef%20Chebbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fatma%20Oussaifi%20and%20Mohamed%20Houcine%20Grayaa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
War on waste
Transgender report
BOSH!'s pantry essentials

Nutritional yeast

This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.

Seeds

"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."

Umami flavours

"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".

Onions and garlic

"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."

Your grain of choice

Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."

On Women's Day
Transgender report
Neighbourhood Watch
While you're here
Men's football draw

Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica

Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea

Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA

Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETuhoon%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYear%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFares%20Ghandour%2C%20Dr%20Naif%20Almutawa%2C%20Aymane%20Sennoussi%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ehealth%20care%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E15%20employees%2C%20%24250%2C000%20in%20revenue%0D%3Cbr%3EI%3Cstrong%3Envestment%20stage%3A%20s%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Nuwa%20Capital%2C%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
While you're here

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
While you're here
Updated: April 02, 2025, 3:23 PM`
Southeast AsiaMyanmarEarthquakes