Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, Mytel - the Viettel Group’s local brand in Myanmar - mobilized all available resources to support affected communities by setting up shelters, distributing food and water, and offering free telecommunications services.

Mobilizing around the clock for emergency response

The earthquake, with its epicenter located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 kilometers, caused widespread destruction across Myanmar and Thailand, with tremors also felt in Vietnam and China.

Myanmar authorities have reported more than 1,000 fatalities and 2,400 injuries, while the U.S. Geological Survey warns the death toll could exceed 10,000. In response, the Myanmar government has issued an urgent international aid appeal.

As panic spread, Mytel acted immediately. By nightfall, the telecom company had deployed its entire staff across the impacted areas. More than 4 million people received emergency support in the form of 300 free voice call minutes, 300 text messages, and 1 GB of data.

Mytel personnel also worked through the night to erect tents and shelters for displaced residents. Over 10,000 food portions and bottles of drinking water were delivered, and nearly 100 mobile charging stations were set up.

Many residents have taken to social media to express gratitude, noting that Mytel was often the only network still operational in hard-hit areas.

"It was terrifying. Our house was destroyed and we had nowhere to go. We were desperate. Thank you Mytel, thank you to our Vietnamese friends for your help," said U Myat Htun, a resident of Mandalay.

Track record of disaster response and resilience

This is not the first time Mytel has come to the rescue in a natural disaster. In August 2019, heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding and landslides in southern Myanmar provinces such as Tanintharyi, Mon, and Kayin. Over 25,000 people were forced to evacuate, and more than 4,000 homes were submerged.

While three other national carriers lost connectivity, Mytel maintained uninterrupted service, becoming the sole telecom provider in some areas. It also supplied emergency relief including food, water, and free SIM kits to over 33,000 people.

Mytel's efforts were formally recognized by Mon State authorities, who praised the network’s reliability and timely humanitarian support.

Viettel’s global experience has been instrumental in such scenarios. In Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, despite over 200,000 casualties and a destroyed capital, Viettel chose to continue investing, restoring communications and aiding recovery efforts.

Similarly, during Mozambique’s catastrophic Cyclone Idai in March 2019, Movitel (Viettel’s local brand) led the disaster response, reestablishing telecommunications and delivering 50 tons of relief supplies.

Ongoing commitment across disaster-prone regions

Operating in 10 countries, many of which are prone to natural disasters and political instability, Viettel has developed robust emergency response protocols. In Mozambique, 30 technicians were flown in from other African operations to support recovery.

In Myanmar and beyond, Viettel continues to prove that its mission extends beyond business - standing side by side with communities in times of need.