Importance Score: 76 / 100 🔴
International Aid Convenes for Myanmar Earthquake Relief as US Response Lag
Following the devastating Myanmar earthquake, international assistance from nations including China, Russia, India, and the UK is being deployed; however, a notable absence in global support is from the United States, typically a leading provider of disaster relief.
Widespread Devastation After Powerful Tremor
The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday has caused extensive destruction. The seismic event has flattened areas of Mandalay, the nation’s second-largest city, and even impacted structures distantly located in Bangkok, Thailand, over 600 miles (1,000km) away.
Crisis масштабов Still Unfolding
The complete scope of the crisis remains unclear due to restricted access within Myanmar, a country grappling with internal conflict since the 2021 military coup. The current death toll of 1,700 is anticipated to rise as rescue operations continue and more areas become accessible.
Swift International Response, US Role Questioned
Despite significant logistical challenges, various countries have promptly responded to the earthquake in Myanmar. However, the previous administration’s cuts to foreign aid programs have drawn criticism, raising questions about the US’s capacity for international disaster response.
China and Russia Lead Initial Aid Deployment
China dispatched an 82-person rescue team to Myanmar on Saturday, demonstrating a rapid initial response. Subsequently, on Sunday, Xinhua news agency, a state-operated media outlet, reported the arrival of an additional 118-member search and rescue team. This larger contingent includes earthquake specialists, medical personnel, field hospital staff, and canine search units.
The Chinese government further stated on Monday the shipment of the first tranche of relief supplies to Myanmar, valued at 100 million yuan ($13.78 million). This initial consignment comprises essential items such as tents, blankets, and first aid kits, as reported by Xinhua.
Diverse Nations Pledge Support
Hong Kong has committed HK$30 million ($3.8 million) for immediate relief efforts, sending a 51-person team equipped with search and rescue dogs and vital equipment including life detectors. Russia has also committed substantial resources; their emergency and health ministries have deployed 120 rescuers, a medical unit, and essential supplies to the affected nation.
Furthermore, an aid flight from India arrived in Myanmar on Saturday. Indian officials confirmed that additional support is en route, including four more aircraft and two naval vessels. The UK has pledged £10 million ($12.9 million) in humanitarian aid, with locally based partners already active in the relief operation. The European Union has also pledged €2.5 million ($2.7 million) in initial emergency assistance.
Southeast Asian Nations Offer Assistance
From Southeast Asia, Indonesia is set to deploy logistical aidrelief efforts. The Philippines and Vietnam are also contributing by sending teams of medical professionals to assist.
US Response Under Scrutiny
Despite historically being a major contributor to foreign aid, the US response has appeared slower, initially pledging a modest $2 million on Sunday. Addressing reporters on Friday, Donald Trump acknowledged the earthquake as “terrible” and stated, “It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping. We’ve already spoken with the country.”
The US embassy in Myanmar issued a statement on Sunday indicating that a USAID emergency response team is being deployed to assess the most pressing needs, including emergency shelter, food provisions, medical assistance, and access to potable water.
Concerns Over US Aid Infrastructure
However, previous reductions in US foreign aid infrastructure and funding mean that the dispatched three-person USAID assessment team is not anticipated to reach Myanmar until Wednesday, nearly a week following the disaster, according to reports.
Additionally, uncertainty surrounds the nature of aid to be provided and the mechanisms for its effective utilization given reported disruptions to aid distribution systems, as noted by Phil Robertson, director of Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates. Robertson questioned the capacity of the embassy to manage aid distribution without specialist USAID personnel.
Diminished US Disaster Response Capability
A critical component of USAID’s disaster response capability are the Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), elite units typically first on the scene of global catastrophes. These teams coordinate US relief efforts, direct aid delivery, and provide technical expertise. Concerns are mounting that these vital teams may be diminished due to the restructuring of USAID.
Robertson asserted that the US has transitioned from a leader in international disaster aid to a “laggard” in response.
In a separate event, a US rescue team arrived in Thailand on Sunday to assist in search operations at a building collapse site in Bangkok, highlighting a more immediate response within closer proximity.
Challenges in Delivering Aid to Conflict-Zone Myanmar
Providing assistance to Myanmar, a nation embroiled in conflict, presents significant challenges. Human rights groups have cautioned that aid distribution must be meticulously managed to ensure it reaches communities through local organizations and bypasses the military junta, which has a documented history of misusing aid as a weapon of control.
Robertson reiterated concerns about the US’s diminished capacity, stating that the previous administration had “completely undermined the US government’s ability to respond to international disasters” by dismantling a leading aid agency.
He concluded, “It’s entirely expected that China and Russia are deploying their teams more rapidly than the US. This reflects the changed global landscape… We should anticipate this pattern recurring in future disaster scenarios.”
He further asserted that the US has experienced a reduction in its “soft power” capabilities regarding international disaster relief.
USAID Restructuring and Impact on Aid Delivery
Amidst these events, a legal development occurred on Friday: a three-judge panel lifted an injunction that had previously blocked the restructuring of USAID. This decision coincided with notifications to Congress from the administration regarding plans to eliminate the agency entirely, despite opposition from some members of Congress who argue that legislative approval is required.
USAID personnel globally have reportedly received termination notices, with potential effect in July or September. If implemented, these measures would significantly reduce USAID operations, leaving a reduced aid presence under the US Department of State.
Neither the State Department nor a designated USAID-State coordinating office provided immediate comment on these developments when requested.
Urgency and Humanitarian Needs
Humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, emphasize the critical importance of rapid aid deployment in the aftermath of natural disasters to effectively save lives and mitigate suffering.
International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), despite recent US withdrawal, have activated their emergency response protocols. The WHO is mobilizing its logistics hub in Dubai to prepare and dispatch trauma injury supplies and is urgently seeking $8 million to address immediate needs and prevent potential disease outbreaks in the coming 30 days.
The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, is also actively coordinating emergency response efforts in collaboration with its partner organizations on the ground.
In a statement released on Saturday, OCHA highlighted a “severe shortage of medical supplies,” which is significantly hindering response efforts. Critically needed items include trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for healthcare workers.