Myanmar hit by another 5.0-magnitude earthquake as twin disasters claim over 3,000 lives

Myanmar's south coast was hit by a 5.0-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, only days after a devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28 killed more than 3,000 people. The latest earthquake struck at 4:27 PM, some 86 km south of Pyapon, at a depth of 10 km, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

Rescue efforts continue amid grim toll 

While Myanmar grapples with the consequences of the March 28 tragedy, rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble. In an extraordinary rescue operation, a 26-year-old hotel staff member was rescued alive from the ruins of a hotel that collapsed in Naypyidaw by a joint Myanmar-Turkish rescue team.

Junta announces preliminary ceasefire

Following calls from families of quake victims, Myanmar's ruling army announced a unilateral ceasefire on Wednesday, halting ongoing internal conflict to allow relief efforts. The ceasefire will remain in effect until April 22. Armed rebel groups have also announced a ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts.