Residents of Lashio are continuing to evacuate despite a decrease in the sounds of fighting compared to previous days.

As of July 15, some residents still in Lashio are leaving the city, with reports of reduced gunfire, both artillery and small arms.

“We don’t hear the sounds as much as before. Yesterday evening, there were still loud noises, but this morning has been much quieter,” said a local resident.

The remaining residents are also attempting to leave, facing rising transportation costs, particularly fuel prices.

“Those who are left are still trying to get out. The cost of transportation has increased, especially fuel prices, which have risen significantly,” said another local.

Following a bombing attack in Laukkai on July 14 at around 2 a.m., the MNDAA announced a four-day ceasefire in respect of the Chinese Communist Party's upcoming meeting. The ceasefire, from midnight on July 14 to midnight on July 18, is in honor of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee meeting. The MNDAA forces will halt offensive actions and remain in defensive positions but reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

Lashio has recently experienced multiple homemade rocket attacks, resulting in fatalities. Some residents unable to afford to leave have been killed by artillery shells, according to a local humanitarian worker.

“We’ve been helping those who want to flee. Unfortunately, some people who couldn’t leave the city were killed by artillery shells. There have been quite a few,” a resident reported.

In early June, homemade rocket attacks on certain areas of Lashio resulted in at least ten deaths, according to local reports. Due to ongoing clashes near Lashio, residents began relocating about three days ago, moving in vehicles displaying white flags.

The mass exodus to other cities has caused significant congestion at the Sint In ferry pier on the main Lashio-Mandalay Union Highway, with thousands of vehicles waiting in line.