USAID Cuts Leave US Unable to Respond Meaningfully to Myanmar Earthquake

Cuts to USAID have diminished the US’s ability to respond effectively to the Myanmar earthquake, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. Former officials criticize the lack of DART deployment and the impact of staff reductions on humanitarian efforts. The US government pledged limited funds for aid and sent a minimal advisory team, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to international disaster relief.

Recent foreign aid cuts have hindered the United States’ ability to adequately respond to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which registered a magnitude of 7.7 and resulted in at least 2,700 fatalities and over 4,500 injuries. Three former senior US officials have criticized the US response, stating that the nation has remained “on the sidelines” during this critical period of need. They argue that the reduction of US foreign assistance likely contributed to unmet needs and potentially cost lives.

Historically, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has mobilized Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) comprised of highly trained personnel, including rescuers and sniffer dogs, to assist in such disasters. However, the officials noted that recent organizational cuts have resulted in a lack of available teams, which could have been deployed swiftly following the earthquake. A comparison was made to the typical deployment during the Turkey-Syria earthquake which included approximately 200 personnel.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the US State Department announced that a team of three advisers would be sent to Myanmar, rather than a full DART team. Additionally, the US government pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance, which starkly contrasts with prior disaster response funding. The former officials expressed concerns that these cuts amount to a significant reduction in the US’s humanitarian outreach and effectiveness.

The situation was exacerbated by the recent administrative changes within USAID. Reports indicate that many critical staff members involved in disaster response have been terminated, leaving the agency without the necessary personnel to coordinate an effective relief effort. Without trained responders available, the logistical support required for quick deployment becomes unfeasible, highlighting a significant failure in pre-disaster preparedness.

Former USAID leaders emphasized that the lack of intervention in Myanmar signals a troubling shift in US foreign aid policy. The officials underscored that the presence of US rescuers typically elevates the capacity for disaster response significantly. They lamented that this failure to respond meaningfully indicates a weakened international role for the United States, especially compared to other nations like China.

Despite the State Department’s assertions that they have alternative methods of supporting disaster response without physical presence, critics argue that hands-on intervention is indispensable during emergencies. They express skepticism about the effectiveness of remotely coordinated efforts without the operational capabilities provided by trained responders on the ground.

In conclusion, the significant reduction of USAID resources and personnel amid the Myanmar earthquake response illustrates a concerning shift in US foreign aid strategy, ultimately resulting in a diminished capacity to address urgent humanitarian needs and save lives. The absence of a proactive US response raises questions about the country’s commitment to international disaster relief efforts moving forward.

In summary, the recent cuts to USAID have severely impacted the United States’ ability to provide timely humanitarian aid in response to the Myanmar earthquake. The absence of deployed DART teams and trained personnel reflects a strategic shift that may result in increased suffering and loss of life. Former officials emphasize the importance of proactive engagement and question the efficacy of coordinating efforts without boots on the ground, marking a significant departure from previous US disaster response protocols.

Original Source: www.bbc.com