In response to the catastrophic earthquake that shook Myanmar’s northern and central region on 28th March 2025, AYA Bank PCL, through its philanthropic arm, the Ayeyarwady Foundation, swiftly mobilized comprehensive relief and rescue efforts to support the affected communities. 

(1) Deployed machinery for rescue operations and provided free fuel supplies for ambulances in Mandalay and NayPyiTaw

As part of the immediate response,  Ayeyarwady Foundation has deployed (30) units of heavy machinery to the severely impacted regions—including Mandalay, NayPyiTaw, Aung Pan, and surrounding areas— to support in rescue and relief operations. Recognizing the logistical demands of large-scale relief operations, free fuel supplies are being provided for all rescue vehicles and ambulances through Max Energy stations. This initiative helps maintain uninterrupted operations across all affected zones. Through Max Energy Stations in Mandalay, NayPyiTaw, Taunggyi, and Heho, free fuel supplies are provided for rescue machinery and public ambulances, enabling round-the-clock rescue efforts. Additionally, they have distributed drinking water and snacks to rescue workers.

(2) Collaborative efforts with local social organizations for the earthquake-affected people in Sagaing

The Foundation has also joined hands with local social organizations to provide additional machinery and skilled operators, enhancing the speed and efficiency of rescue missions. On 31st March, the foundation provided financial and essential aid to support ongoing relief efforts, ensuring smooth operations carried out by active social organizations. The contribution included, 
 •20 million MMK and 200 purified water bottles to the Thukha-Kari Social Rescue Team,
 •10 million MMK and 125 purified water bottles to the O-Bo Social Rescue Team, and
 •10 million MMK and 100 purified water bottles to the Min-Lan Youth Social Organizations.

In addition, the foundation donated 10 million MMK and 125 bottles of drinking water to Tha-Kya-Ditha Nunnery School, which suffered significant damage from the earthquake. 

Furthermore, the foundation deployed machinery such as mini excavators, wheel loaders, and dump trucks to support debris clearing and removal work in earthquake-affected buildings in the Sagaing Region. Water tankers are also provided to meet drinking water needs in the affected areas.

(3.1) Expanded Support of Machinery and Experienced Operators, in collaboration with Local Social Organizations in Mandalay

The Ayeyarwady Foundation, in collaboration with local social associations in Mandalay, is actively providing disaster relief by deploying heavy machinery and experienced operators to assist in rescue and recovery operations. For social organizations and international rescue teams conducting relief efforts, the Ayeyarwady Foundation and Max Energy are supplying free fuel for machinery, motor vehicles, generators, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles on-site through fuel bowsers delivered directly to the rescue operations. Additionally, the foundation has contributed to clearing the debris caused by the earthquake at the Mandalay Mahamuni Pagoda archway collapse.

(3.2) Provided essential supplies and restoration supports in NayPyiTaw

In NayPyiTaw, where communities have been severely affected, the Ayeyarwady Foundation has provided essential food supplies such as rice, instant noodles, and drinking water. The foundation has also set up temporary shelters (tents) for displaced residents. Furthermore, the foundation is actively supporting road restoration efforts in NayPyiTaw by deploying heavy machinery to repair damaged roads and reinforce collapsed areas.

(4) Supported rescue teams and injured monks at Mandalay’s Ma-Soe-Yein  Monastery (U Hla Thein Beikman)

Following the devastating earthquake that caused severe destruction and loss of life at Mandalay’s Ma-Soe-Yein  Monastery (U Hla Thein Beikman), rescue operations continue at the affected site. In response, the Ayeyarwady Foundation has extended support to rescue organizations, volunteers, and injured monks receiving medical treatment.

Led by U Zaw Zaw, the Ayeyarwady Foundation team met with Myanmar Social Rescue Association, Manizala Social Rescue, Phay Kuu Let Association, Kachin State Thakhah Social Organization, Thukha Kari Social Rescue, and other volunteers. The Foundation team expressed gratitude for their efforts, contributed MMK 100 million for international rescue teams to arrange food and fuel and injured monks, including those who suffered limb loss due to the earthquake. 

Afterwards, heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris from the new building of Ma-Soe-Yein Monastery in Mandalay, ensuring safe access and recovery. Additional donation of 140 million Kyats was made to the Sangha (monks) residing at the monastery to support their ongoing needs during this difficult time.

(5) Financial assistance for the affected populations in Mandalay and Sagaing

In response to the devastating earthquake that caused significant loss of life, representatives from the Ayeyarwady Foundation visited and offered condolences, moral support, and assistance to the surviving families in Bone O Village, Mandalay, and Min Lan Ward, Sagaing, two areas hit hard by the disaster.  

In Bone O Village, Mandalay—where 4 mosques and around 100 houses were destroyed due to the earthquake—the Ayeyarwady Foundation provided a total of MMK 150 million in assistance. This included MMK 500,000 each for the families of the 139 deceased and for 100 people who sustained serious injuries, as well as additional support for those who lost their homes. Relief items such as rice, dry food supplies, and clean drinking water were also distributed.

Similarly, in Min Lan Ward, Sagaing—where many homes and 3 mosques were damaged—the Foundation provided MMK 500,000 each to the families of the 176 deceased, along with 350 sacks of rice. The total support provided amounted to MMK 100 million.

(6) Constructed temporary hospitals in the disaster areas

The Ayeyarwady Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, was able to swiftly construct and open 200-bed temporary hospitals for Mandalay General Hospital and Kandaw Nandi Hospital in Mandalay, which were affected by the earthquake.

A 50-bed temporary hospital, including 12 HDU beds, was opened on 6th April, 2025 for the earthquake-affected Mandalay General Hospital, and a 150-bed temporary hospital, including 6 HDU beds, was opened on 8th April for Mandalay Kandaw Nandi General Hospital. Efforts are also ongoing to swiftly open additional 100-bed temporary hospitals for both Mandalay Orthopedic Specialist Hospital and Sagaing Township General Hospital.

The Ayeyarwady Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers who collaborated and provided support in making the construction and opening of these temporary hospitals possible.

(7) Distributed “Sharing with Compassion” Donation Boxes to Earthquake-Affected Areas

Ayeyarwady Foundation has been actively distributing donation boxes filled with essential items to earthquake-affected areas as part of its compassionate outreach efforts. These donations are being personally delivered by the foundation's volunteers to local residents in areas severely impacted by the earthquake, including Mandalay, Sagaing, NayPyiTaw, Tatkon, PyinOoLwin, Rameithin, Kyaukse, Pyawbwe, Paleik, SintKaing, and TaTarOo. 

Each donation box contain a variety of essential items such as rice, oil, Alpine bottled water, canned fish, pickled tea leaves, chickpeas, eggs, dried fish, dried noodles, coffee milk, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, steel wool, spoons, antiseptic ointment, salt, and some medicines.

As of today, 13th April, a total of over 11,000 donation Boxes and more than 11 million Kyats worth of donations have been distributed to help those affected by the earthquake.

Through its coordinated and compassionate response, AYA Bank and the Ayeyarwady Foundation remain committed to standing with the people of Myanmar, ensuring that relief reaches those in need, and helping communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of disaster.