Announcement of a Temporary Pause on Military Offensive and Emergency Humanitarian Relief Effort for Earthquake Victims
Announcement of a Temporary Pause on Military Offensive and Emergency Humanitarian Relief Effort for Earthquake Victims
March 29, 2025
On March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM Myanmar Standard Time, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 (classified as a major earthquake) struck 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar. The earthquake and its aftershocks caused severe destruction in Sagaing, Mandalay, Bago, Naypyidaw, and Southern Shan State. Numerous homes, buildings, pagodas, mosques, temples, schools, and bridges collapsed, resulting in the deaths of thousands and injuring tens of thousands. Many people require emergency rescue and medical treatment.
To facilitate rescue operations for people trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings, structures, and workplaces, The Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced that the People’s Defence Force (PDF) will implement a two-week pause in offensive military operations, except for defensive actions, in earthquake-affected areas starting March 30, 2025.
The United Nations relief agencies, international organizations, and INGOs are urged to provide immediate emergency assistance and medical support to the earthquake victims. In NUG-controlled territories, we will collaborate with the UN and INGOs to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps.
In State Administration Council (SAC)-controlled areas, if safety guarantees are provided, NUG-affiliated CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) healthcare professionals will cooperate with international humanitarian organizations to deliver emergency rescue and medical services to the affected people.
An initial 1 million USD for immediate emergency rescue and medical operations across the country has been allocated, particularly in NUG-administered territories.
The NUG, together with resistance forces, allied organizations, and civil society groups, will carry out rescue operations under the “People to People” initiative.
We call on all ethnic groups and citizens to actively cooperate with the NUG and revolutionary forces in providing comprehensive emergency rescue and relief assistance to the earthquake victims.
National Unity Government
