Impact of USAID Cuts on U.S. Aid Response to Myanmar Earthquake

Cuts to USAID have hindered U.S. disaster response in Myanmar post-earthquake, as former officials lament the lack of aid despite high casualties. Mobilization issues stem from staff reductions and canceled logistics contracts, raising alarms about the U.S.’s diminished role in global humanitarian efforts.

Recent cuts to United States foreign aid have severely hampered the U.S. response to the recent earthquake in Myanmar, as reported by three former senior officials of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). They noted that “America has been on the sidelines” during the disaster response efforts, indicating that the lack of assistance negatively impacted lives in Myanmar following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which resulted in at least 2,700 deaths and left many missing.

In past instances of disaster relief, USAID was able to mobilize Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) equipped with trained rescuers and specialized equipment. For instance, the deployment to the Turkey-Syria earthquake in 2023 comprised nearly 200 personnel. However, amidst the current crisis, only a small advisory team of three is being dispatched from the U.S., which falls short of the rescuers usually sent.

The actions of the current administration, which has streamlined and significantly reduced USAID’s workforce, have raised concerns among former officials regarding disaster responses. Key personnel were placed on administrative leave, hindering the agency’s ability to mobilize necessary resources quickly. Andrew Natsios, a former USAID administrator, indicated that the immediate response was halted due to the lack of trained individuals required for the DART team.

Complicating matters further, logistics contracts that would facilitate the transportation of critical rescue resources to Myanmar have been canceled, according to former officials. Jeremy Konyndyk emphasized the unprecedented nature of the U.S. not responding effectively to such a significant disaster, noting the potential lives lost due to inadequate resources and timely responses.

Despite the critical observations from former USAID officials, the State Department maintains that assistance is still being provided through established partner organizations. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce claimed that their existing partnerships might allow for effective assistance without a physical presence in the country, although responses to these assertions from former officials indicate disbelief in such claims.

The article highlights the detrimental effects of USAID cuts on the U.S. response to the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Former officials express deep concerns regarding the agency’s inability to mobilize timely aid, emphasizing how such decisions may have cost lives. Despite the State Department’s assurances of ongoing assistance, the capacity for effective disaster relief appears significantly compromised, leading to concerns about the U.S. role in international humanitarian efforts.

Original Source: www.bbc.com