USAID Cuts Leave U.S. Powerless in Myanmar Earthquake Response

Former U.S. officials claim that recent cuts to foreign aid have hindered the U.S. response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which left thousands dead and injured. USAID’s capability to deploy disaster response teams has been significantly compromised due to staffing reductions and logistical challenges. The U.S. State Department has downplayed these issues, asserting that assistance is being coordinated through existing partnerships.

Due to recent foreign aid reductions, the United States has struggled to adequately respond to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, according to insights from three former senior officials at USAID. One ex-mission director expressed that, “America has been on the sidelines” following the natural disaster, emphasizing a critical failure to engage.

The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.7, resulted in over 2,700 fatalities, 4,500 injuries, and hundreds unaccounted for, with numbers likely to escalate according to Myanmar’s military. Former officials noted that prior deployments had seen USAID mobilize Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) consisting of skilled rescuers and specialized teams to effectively respond when such disasters struck.

Following the catastrophe, the U.S. Department of State indicated that a small team was en route to Myanmar, comprising only three advisers rather than rescue personnel. A donation of $2 million to humanitarian organizations was also announced, a significantly smaller contribution compared to previous aid in comparable situations.

Former officials highlighted that USAID teams had previously been instrumental in disaster responses, such as the 2023 earthquake in Turkey-Syria, where a contingent of around 200 was dispatched. However, due to staff cuts and ongoing administrative reorganizations, essential personnel were unavailable, hindering the mobilization of the DART team and necessary resources for Myanmar.

Andrew Natsios, a former USAID administrator, reported that staffing issues prevented effective disaster response, as many key officials were on leave. Chris Milligan, also a former mission director in Myanmar, shared insights into the confusion and lack of management displayed after the earthquake, particularly with staff being ordered to return home amid critical operations.

Former USAID officials indicated that cuts had impeded the logistics necessary for mobilizing aid, with Jeremy Konyndyk noting that it is unprecedented for the U.S. to lack a meaningful response to a disaster of this magnitude. He pointed out that U.S. resources typically represent the most capable teams on the ground for such efforts.

Despite these criticisms, the state department maintained that their approach did not signify diminished effectiveness, arguing that they have partnered with other organizations that do not require U.S. physical presence. However, Konyndyk dismissed this claim as unrealistic, asserting that live rescues necessitate on-site personnel.

Milligan remarked that U.S. absence in such situations reflects a weakening global presence, yielding influence to nations like China. The state department clarified intentions, stating that a DART deployment was not anticipated but asserting ongoing support through existing programs aimed at community resilience.

In summary, the article highlights the challenges faced by the United States in responding to the Myanmar earthquake due to significant cuts in foreign aid, which resulted in logistical and staffing limitations at USAID. Former officials expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on lives in Myanmar and criticized the current administration’s management of disaster response capabilities. The emerging situation presents an opportunity for not only reflection on American foreign assistance but also an urgent need to reconsider its operational strategies in humanitarian crises.

Original Source: www.bbc.com