Four found alive more than 100 hours after earthquake

Myanmar’s military declares ceasefire in civil war as relief efforts continue after quake, which has left over 3,000 dead

- DAVID RISING

Myanmar’s ruling military junta has declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil war to help relief efforts following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 3,000 people.

The announcement by the military’s high command was reported on the state television channel MRTV, which said the truce would run until 22 April and was aimed at showing compassion for people affected by last Friday’s disaster. It followed unilateral temporary ceasefires announced by armed resistance groups opposed to military rule. Those groups must refrain from attacking the state or regrouping or else the military will take “necessary” measures, the army’s statement said.

It came as rescuers pulled two men alive from the ruins of a hotel in Myanmar’s capital, a third from a guesthouse in another city, and another in the country’s second city, Mandalay, five days after the quake. But most teams were finding only bodies.